^eHiddenHand 

[irGapitolathe 
Madcap 

:rs.e.]).e.n.  soutitorth 


DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
DURHAM,  N.  C. 


Rec'd 


Digitized  by 

the  Internet  Archive 

in  2015 

https://archive.org/details/hiddenhando_rcapi01sout 


CAPITOLA. 


I 

I 

The  Hidden  Hand; 

OB, 

CAPITOLA  THE  MAD-CAP. 


BY 

MRS.  E.  D.  E.  N.  SOUTHWORTH, 

ATJTHOB  OP 

**ONLY  A  girl's  HEART,"  "NEAREST  AND  DEAREST,"  "ISHMAEL," 
"SELF-MADE,"  ETC.,  ETC.,  ETC, 


NEW  YORK: 

G.   W,  Dillingham,  Publisher, 

Successor  to  G.  W.  Carleton  &  Co. 

MDCCCLXXXVIII. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859, 

Bx  EGBERT  BONNER, 
In  the  Clerk's  Ofllce  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868, 
By  ROBERT  BONNER, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  tiie  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1883, 
By  ROBERT  BONNER, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1888, 
By  G.  W.  DILLINGHAM, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 

[ALL  RIGHTS  BESERVED.] 


Beprinted  from  the  New  York  Ledger  by  permlaelon  of 
Robert  Bokneb's  Sons. 


Stereottped  bt 
Samuel  Stoddeb, 
42  Dey  Street,  N.  Y. 


publisher's  preface. 


The  HiDDEi^  Hand  ;  or,  Capitola  the  Mad-Oap  " 

is  by  all  odds  the  most  popular  story  ever  published.  We 
doubt  if,  in  all  the  range  and  realm  of  literature,  there  has 
ever  been  a  heroine  wlio  could  vie  with  the  captivating  mad- 
cap Capitola  in  exciting  the  admiration  of  readers,  or  in 
winniDg  and  keeping  their  hearts.  She  is  so  bright,  so 
spirited,  so  beautiful,  so  sagacious,  so  dauntless,  and  yet  so 
innocent  and  childlike,  that  she  at  once  takes  all  readers 
captive  and  holds  them  enchained  by  her  fascinations  clear 
to  the  last  page  of  the  narrative. 

Millions  of  copies  of  The  Hidde^t  Hand  have  been 
sold  in  the  Neio  York  Ledger,  in  which  it  originally  ap- 
peared, and  the  demand  for  back  numbers  of  the  Ledger 
containing  it  has  continued  down  to  the  present  day.  Tens 
of  thousands  of  people  have  requested  the  publication  of 
this  wonderful  story  in  book-form,  and  by  an  arrangement 
with  EoBERT  Bonnee's  Sons  w^e  are  now  able  to  gratify 
this  long-continued  and  wide-spread  demand. 


CONTENTS. 


Chapter  Page 

I.    The  Nocturnal  Visit   9 

II.    The  Masks   19 

m.    The  Quest   38 

IV.    Capitola   41 

V.    The  Discovery   47 

VI.    A  Short,  Sad  Story   52 

VII.    Metamorphosis  of  the  News-Boy   59 

VIII.    Herbert  Greyson   66 

IX.    Marah  Rocke   75 

X.    The  Room  of  the  Trap-door   88 

XL    A  iSIystery  and  a  Storm  at  Hurricane  Hall   96 

XII.    Marah's  Dreams   107 

XIII.  MaralTs  Memories  ,   114 

XIV.  ThL  V,  asling  Heart   123 

XV.    Cap's  Country  Capers   132 

XVI.    Cap  s  Fearful  Adventure   139 

XVII.    Another  Storm  at  Hurricane  Hall   145 

XVin.    The  Doctor's  Daughter   157 

XIX.    The  Resigned  Soul   164 

XX.    The  Outlaw's  Rendezvous   170 

XXI.    Gabriel  Le  Noir   178 

XXII.    The  Smuggler  and  Capitola   183 

XXin.    The  Boy's  Love   200 

XXIV.    Capitoli's  Mother   211 

XXV.    Cap's  Tricks  and  Perils.    222 

XXVI.    The  Peril  and  the  Pluck  of  Cap   235 

XXVIL    Seeking  His  Fortune   245 

XXVIIL    A  Panic  in  the  Outlaw's  Den   256 

2084?'! 


OONTENTfl. 


Chapter  Page 

XXIX.    The  Victory  Over  Death   270 

XXX.    The  Orphan   285 

XXXL    The  Orphan's  Trial   296 

XXXII.    Old  Hurricane  Storms  316 

XXXIII.  Cap's  Visit  to  the  Hidden  House   825 

XXXIV.  The  Hidden  Hollow   832 

XXXV.    The  Hidden  House   839 

XXXVI.    The  Inmate  of  the  Hidden  House  346 

XXXVII.    Cap's  Return    354 

XXXVIII.    Another  Mystery,  at  the  Hidden  House   360 

XXXIX.    Cap  Frees  the  Captive   364 

XL.    Cap  in  Captivity   384 

XLI.    An  Unexpected  Visitor  at  Marah's  Cottage   395 

XLII.  Cap  "Rests  on  Her  Laurels"  and  "Spoils  for  a 

Fight"  405 

XLIII.    Black  Donald   413 

XLIV.    Glory!   421 

XLV.    Cap  Captivates  a  Craven   430 

XLVL    Cap's  Rage  444 

XLVIL    Capitola  Caps  the  Climax  455 

XL VIII.    Black  Donald's  Last  Attempt  467 

XLIX.    The  Awful  Peril  of  Capitola  474 

L.    The  Next  Morning  486 

LL    A  Fatal  Hatred   494 

LIL    The  Court  Martial   510 

LIIL    The  Verdict  516 

LIV.    The  End  of  the  War  625 

LV.    The  Fortunate  Bath   534 

LVI.    The  Mysterious  Maniac   542 

LVII.    The  Maniac's  Story   549 

LVIII.    End  of  the  Lady's  Story  555 

LIX.    Prospects  Brighten  566 

LX.    Capitola  a  Capitalist   574 

LXL  *  "  There  Shall  be  Light  at  the  Eventide"  687 


THE  HIDDEN  HAND, 


CHAPTEE  1. 

THE  KOCTURNAL  VISIT. 

*  *  *  Whence  is  that  knocking  ? 
How  is't  with  me  when  every  sound  appals  me? 

*  *  *  I  hear  a  knocking 

In  the  south  entry  I    Hark ! — more  knocking ! 

Shakespeare. 

HuERiCAi^E  Hall  is  a  large  old  family  mansion,  built 
of  dark,  red  sandstone,  in  one  of  the  loneliest  and  T\-ildest 
of  the  mountain  regions  of  Virginia. 

The  estate  is  surrounded  on  three  sides  by  a  range  of 
steep,  gray  rocks,  spiked  with  clumps  of  dark  evergreens^ 
and  called,  from  its  horseshoe  form,  the  DeviPs  Hoof. 

On  the  fourth  side  the  ground  gradually  descends  in 
broken  rock  and  barren  soil  to  the  edge  of  the  wild  moun- 
tain stream  known  as  the  Devil's  Eun. 

When  storms  and  floods  Avcre  liigb,  the  loud  roaring  of 
the  wild  mountain  gorges,  and  the  terrific  raging  of  the 
torrent  over  its  rocky  course,  gave  to  this  savage  locality  its 
ill-omened  names  of  DeviPs  Hoof,  Devirs  Eun_,  and  Hurri- 
cane Hall. 


10 


THE  NOCTURNAL  VISIT. 


Major  Ira  Warfield,  the  lonely  proprietor  of  the  Hall, 
Y/as  a  veteran  officer,  who,  in  disgust  at  what  he  supposed  to 
be  ill-requited  services,  had  retired  from  public  life  to  spend 
the  evening  of  his  vigorous  age  on  this  his  patrimonial 
estate.  Here  he  lived  in  seclusion,  with  his  old-fashioned 
housekeeper,  Mrs.  Condiment,  and  liis  old  family  servants 
and  his  favorite  dogs  and  horses.  Here  his  mornings  were 
usually  spent  in  the  chase,  in  which  he  excelled,  and  his 
afternoon  and  evenings  were  occupied  in  small  convivial 
suppers  among  his  few  chosen  companions  of  the  chase  or 
the  bottle. 

In  person  Major  Warfield  was  tall  and  strongly  built, 
reminding  one  of  some  old  iron-limbed  Douglas  of  the  olden 
time.  His  features  were  large  and  harsh;  his  complexion 
dark  red,  as  that  of  one  bronzed  by  long  exposure  and  flushed 
with  strong  drink.  His  fierce,  dark  gray  eyes  were  sur- 
mounted by  thick,  heavy  black  brows,  that,  when  gathered 
into  a  frown,  reminded  one  of  a  thunder  cloud,  as  the  flash- 
ing orbs  beneath  them  did  of  lightning.  His  hard,  harsh 
face  was  surrounded  by  a  thick  growth  of  iron-gray  hair  and 
beard  that  met  beneath  his  chin.  His  usual  habit  was  a 
black  cloth  coat,  crimson  vest,  black  leather  breeches,  long, 
black  yarn  stockings,  fastened  at  the  knees,  and  morocco 
slippers  with  silver  buttons. 

In  character  Major  Warfield  was  arrogant,  domineering 
and  violent — equally  loved  and  feared  by  his  faithful  old 
family  servants  at  home — disliked  and  dreaded  by  his 
neighbors  and  acquaintances  abroad,  who,  partly  from  his 
house  and  partly  from  his  character,  fixed  upon  him  the 
appropriate  Nickname  of  Old  Huriiicane. 

There  was,  however,  other  ground  of  dislike  besides 
that  of  his  arrogant  mind,  violent  temper  and  domineeriug 
habits.  Old  Hurricane  was  said  to  be  an  old  bachelor,  yet 
rumor  whispered  that  tliiTL'  v/as  in  some  obscure  part  of  the 
world,  hidden  away  from  human  sight,  a  deserted  wife  and 
child,  poor,  forlorn,  and  heartbroken.    It  was  farther  whis- 


THL  2>0CTURXAL  VISIT. 


11 


pered  that  the  elder  brother  of  Ira  T^'arfield  had  mysteri- 
ously disappeared,  and  not  v\-ithont  some  suspicion  of  foul 
play  oil  the  part  of  t^  o  on-y  person  in  the  vrorld  who  had  a 
strong  interest  in  his  "  taking  oK/'  However  these  things 
might  be.  it  v^is  knovrn  for  a  cerLainty  that  Old  Hunicane 
had  an  only  sister^  widowed,  sick  and  poor,  who  with  her 
son  dragged  on  a  wretched  life  of  ill-recjiiited  toil,  severe 
privation,  and  painful  inilrmit}',  in  a  distant  city,  unaided, 
unsought  and  nncared  for  by  her  cruel  brother. 

It  was  the  night  of  the  last  day  of  October,  eighteen 
hundred  and  forty-five.  The  evening  had  closed  in  dark 
and  gloomy.  About  dusk  the  wind  arose  in  the  northwest, 
driving  up  masses  of  leaden-hued  clouds,  and  in  a  few  min- 
utes the  ground  was  covered  deej^  with  snow,  and  the  air 
was  filled  with  driving  sleet. 

As  this  was  All  Hallow  Eve,  the  dreadful  inclemency  of 
the  weather  did  not  i^revent  the  negroes  of  Hnrricane  Hall 
from  availing  themselves  of  their  capricious  old  master-s 
permission,  and  going  off  in  a  body  to  a  banjo  break-down, 
held  in  the  negro  quarters  of  their  next  neighbor. 

Upon  this  evening,  then,  there  was  left  at  Hurricane 
Hall  only  Major  Warfield  ;  Mrs.  Condiment,  his  little  old 
housekeeper  ;  and  Wool,  his  body-servant. 

Early  in  the  evening  the  old  hall  was  shut  up  closely  to 
keep  out  as  much  as  possible  the  sound  of  the  storm  that 
roared  through  the  mountain  chasms,  and  cannouaded  the 
walls  of  the  house  as  if  determined  to  force  an  entrance. 
As  soon  as  she  had  seen  that  all  was  safe,  Mrs.  Condiment 
went  to  bed  and  went  to  sleep. 

It  was  about  ten  o^clock  that  night  that  Old  Hurricane, 
well  wrapped  up  in  his  quilted  flannel  dressing-gown,  sat  in 
his  well  padded  easy  chair  before  a  warm  and  bright  fire, 
taking  his  comfort  in  his  own  most  comfortable  bed-room. 
This  was  the  hour  of  the  coziest  enjoyment  to  the  self- 
indulgent  old  Sybarite,  who  dearly  loved  his  own  ease.  And 
indeed  every  means  and  appliance  of  bodily  comfort  was  at 


12 


THE  NOCTCTRNAL  VISIT. 


Land.  Strong  oaken  shutters  and  thick  heavy  curtains  at 
the  windows  kept  out  every  draft  of  air,  and  so  deadened  the 
sound  of  the  wind  that  its  subdued  moaning  was  just  suf- 
ficient to  remind  one  of  the  stormy  weather  without  in 
contrast  to  the  bright  warmth  within.  Old  Hurricane,  as 
I  said,  sat  well  wrapped  up  in  his  wadded  dressing-gown, 
and  reclining  in  his  padded  easy  chair,  with  his  head  thrown 
back  and  his  feet  upon  the  fire  irons,  toasting  his  shins  and 
sipping  his  punch.  On  his  right  hand  stood  a  little  table 
with  a  lighted  candle,  a  stack  of  clay  pipes,  a  jug  of  punch, 
lemons,  sugar,  Holland  gin,  etc.,  while  on  the  hearth  sat  a 
kettle  of  boiling  water  to  help  to  replenish  the  jug  if 
needful. 

On  his  left  hand  stood  his  cozy  bedstead  with  its  warm 
crimson  curtains  festooned  back,  revealing  the  luxurious 
swell  of  the  full  feather  bed,  and  pillows  with  their  snow 
white  linen,  and  lambswool  blankets  inviting  repose. 
Between  this  bedstead  and  the  corner  of  the  fire-place  stood 
Old  Hurricane's  ancient  body  servant.  Wool,  engaged  in 
warming  a  crimson  cloth  nightcap. 

Fools  !"  muttered  Old  Hurricane  over  his  punch — 
jacks  !  they'll  all  get  the  pleurisy  except  those  that  get 
drunk  !    Did  they  all  go.  Wool?'' 

^'  Ebery  man,  'oman  and  chile,  sar ! — 'cept  'tis  me  and 
coachman,  sar." 

More  fools  they  !    And  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  you,  you 
old  scarecrow,  didn't  want  to  go  too  !" 
No,  Marse  " 

I  know  better,  sir  !  don't  contradict  me !   Well,  as 
as  soon  as  I'm  in  bed,  and  that  won't  be  long  now,  you  may 
go  ! — so  that  you  can  get  back  in  time  to  wait  on  me  to- 
morrow morning  !" 
'^Thanky,  Marse." 

Hold  your  tongue  !    Yoa  are  as  big  a  fool  as  the  rest." 
'^I  take  this,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  as  he  sipped  his 
punch  and  smacked  his  lips — ^'I  take  this  to  be  the  very 


THE  NOCTURNAL  VISIT. 


13 


quinfesseDce  of  human  enjoyment — sitting  here  in  my  soft, 
warm  cliair  before  the  lire,  toasting  my  legs,  sipping  my 
punch,  listening  on  the  one  hand  to  the  storm  without,  and 
glancing  on  the  other  hand  at  my  comfortable  bed  waiting 
there  to  receive  my  sleepy  head.  If  there  is  anything  better 
than  this  in  this  world,  I  wish  somebody  would  let  me  know 
it.^^ 

''It's  all  werry  comfortable  indeed,  Marse,'' said  the 
obsequious  Wool. 

''  I  wonder  now  if  there  is  anything  on  the  face  of  the 
earth  that  would  tempt  me  to  leave  my  cozy  fireside  and  go 
abroad  to-night  ?  I  wonder  how  large  a  promise  of  pleasure 
or  profit  or  glory  it  would  tiike  now 

"  Much  as  ebber  Congress  itse'f  could  give  if  it  give  you 
a  penance  for  all  your  sarvins,"  suggested  Wool. 

''Yes,  and  more  !  for  I  wouldn't  leave  my  home  com- 
forts to-night  to  ensure  not  only  the  pension  but  the  thanks 
of  Congress  V  said  the  old  man,  replenishing  his  glass  with 
steaming  punch,  and  drinking  it  off  leisurely. 

The  clock  struck  eleven.  The  old  man  replenished  his 
glass,  and  while  sijDping  its  contents  said  : 

"You  may  fill  the  warming-pan  and  warm  my  bed. 
Wool.  The  fumes  of  this  fragrant  punch  are  beginning  to 
rise  to  my  head  and  make  me  sleepy.^' 

The  servant  filled  the  warming-pan  with  glowing  embers, 
shut  down  the  lid,  and  thrust  it  between  the  sheets,  to  warm 
the  couch  of  the  luxurious  "*ld  Hurricane.  The  old  man 
continued  to  toast  his  feet,  bij^  his  punch,  and  smack  his 
lips.  He  finished  his  glass,  set  it  down,  and  was  just  in  the 
act  of  drawing  on  his  woolen  night  cap,  preparatory  to  step- 
ping into  his  well- warmed  bed,  when  he  was  suddenly 
startled  by  a  loud  ringing  of  the  hall  door-bell. 

"  What  the  foul  fiend  can  that  mean  at  this  time  of 
night  \"  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane,  dropping  his  night-cap, 
and  turning  sharply  around  towards  Wool,  who,  warming- 


14 


THE  NOCTURNAL  VISIT. 


pan  in  hand,  stood  staring  with  astonishment.  What 
does  that  mean,  I  ask  you 

Deed,  I  dunno,  sar,  less  it's  some  benighted  traveler 
in  search  o'shelter  out'n  de  storm/' 

Humph  !  and  in  search  of  supper,  too,  of  course,  and 
everybody  gone  away  or  gone  to  bed  but  you  and  me  !" 

At  this  moment  the  ringing  was  followed  by  a  loud 
knocking. 

Marse,  don't  less  you  and  me  listen  to  it,  and  then  we 
aint  'obliged  to  sturb  ourselves  wid  answering  of  it,"  sug- 
gested Wool. 

^^'Sdeath,  sir  !  do  you  think  that  I  am  going  to  turn  a 
deaf  ear  to  a  stranger  that  comes  to  my  house  for  shelter  on 
such  a  night  as  this  ?    Go  and  answer  the  bell  directly." 

"Yes,  sar." 

But  stop — look  here,  sirrah — mind,  I  am  not  to  be 
disturbed.  If  it  is  a  traveler,  ask  him  in,  set  refreshments 
before  him,  and  show  him  to  bed.  I'm  not  going  to  leave 
my  warm  room  to  welcome  anybody  to-night,  please  the 
Lord.    Do  you  hear  ?" 

Yes,  sar,"  said  the  darkey,  retreating. 
As  Wool  took  a  shaded  taper  and  opened  the  door  lead- 
ing from  his  master's  chamber,  the  wind  was  heard  howling 
through  the  long  passages  ready  to  burst  into  the  cozy  bed- 
room. 

Shut  the  door,  you  scoundrel  roared  the  old  man, 
folding  the  skirt  of  his  warm  dressing-gown  across  his 
knees,  and  hovering  closer  to  the  fire. 

Wool  quickly  obeyed,  and  was  heard  retreating  down  the 
steps. 

Whew  P  said  the  old  man,  spreading  his  hands  over 
the  blaze  with  a  look  of  comfortable  appreciation.  "  What 
would  induce  me  to  go  abroad  on  such  a  night  as  this? 
Wind  blowing  great  guns  from  the  north-west — snow  falling 
fast  from  the  heavens,  and  rising  just  as  fast  befoi'c  the  wind 
from  the  ground  ! — cold  as  Lapland,  dark  as  Erebus  !  No 


THE  NOCTUEXAL  Ylf^IT. 


15 


telling  the  earth  from  the  sky.  Whew  I'"'  and  to  comfort  the 
cold  thought,  Old  Hurricane  poured  out  another  glass  of 
smoking  punch,  and  began  to  sip  it. 

How  I  thank  the  Lord  that  I  am  not  a  doctor  !  If  I 
were  a  doctor  now,  the  sound  of  that  bell  at  this  hour  of 
night  would  frighten  me  ;  I  should  think  some  old  woman 
had  been  taken  with  the  pleurisy,  and  wanted  me  to  get  up 
and  go  out  in  the  storm,  to  turn  out  of  my  warm  bed  to 
ride  ten  miles  through  the  snow  to  prescribe  for  her.  A 
doctor  never  can  feel  sure,  even  in  the  Avorst  of  weathers, 
of  a  good  night's  rest.  But,  thank  heaven,  I  am  free  from 
all  such  annoyances,  and  if  I  am  sure  of  anything  in  this 
world  it  is  of  my  comfortable  night^s  sleep,^^  said  Old  Hur- 
ricane^ as  he  slipped  his  punoh,  smacked  his  lips  and  toasted 
his  feet. 

At  this  moment  Wool  re-appeared. 
Shut  the  dooe,  you  yillain  !  Do  you  intend  to  stand 
there  holding  it  open  on  me  all  night     vociferated  the  old 
man. 

Wool  hastily  closed  the  offending  portals,  and  hurried 
to  his  master's  side. 

*^  Well,  sir,  who  was  it  rung  the  bell 
Please,  Marster,  sir,  it  wer  de  Eeverend  Mr.  Parson 
Goodwin." 

"  Goodwin  ?  Been  to  make  a  sick-call,  I  suppose,  and 
got  caught  in  the  snow-storm.  I  declare  it  is  as  bad  to  be 
a  parson  as  it  is  to  be  a  doctor.  Thank  the  Lord  /  am  not 
a  parson  either  ;  if  T  were  now,  I  might  be  called  away  from 
my  cozy  arm-chair  and  fire-side  to  ride  twelve  miles  to  com- 
fort some  old  man  dying  of  quinsy.  Wool,  here — help  me 
into  bed,  pile  on  more  comforters,  tuck  me  up  warm,  put 
a  bottle  of  hot  water  to  my  feet,  and  then  go  and  attend  to 
the  parson, said  the  old  man,  getting  up  and  moving 
towards  his  inviting  couch. 

'^Sar!  sar !  stop^,  sar,  H  jou  please !"  cried  Wool;, 
going  after  him. 


16 


THE  NOCTURNAL  VISIT. 


Why,  wliat  does  the  old  fool  mean,"  exclaimed  Old 
Hurricane,  angrily. 

Sar,  de  Reverend  Mr.  Parson  Goodwin  say  how  he 
must  see  you  yourse'f,  personable,  alone  V 

''See  me,  you  villain  !  Didn't  you  tell  him  that  I  had 
retired  V 

"  Yes,  Marse,  I  tell  him  how  you  wer'  gone  to  bed  and 
asleep  moreen  an  hour  ago,  and  he  ordered  me  to  come  wake 
you  up,  and  say  how  it  were  a  matter  o'  life  and  death 

*'  Life  and  death?  What  have  I  to  do  with  life  and 
death?  /  wonH  stir  !  If  the  parson  wants  to  see  me,  he 
will  have  to  come  up  here  and  see  me  in  bed,"  exclaimed 
Old  Hurricane,  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  by  jumping 
into  bed  and  drawing  all  the  comforters  and  blankets  up 
around  his  head  and  shoulders. 

''  Mus'  I  fetch  his  reverence  up,  sar  ?" 

''Yes,  /  wouldn't  get  up  and  go  down  to  see — Washing- 
ton— Shut  the  door,  you  rascal,  or  Fll  throw  the  bootjack 
at  your  wooden  head  !" 

"  Wool  obeyed  with  alacrity,  and  in  time  to  escape  the 
threatened  missile. 

After  an  absence  of  a  few  minutes  he  was  heard  return- 
ing, attending  upon  the  footsteps  of  another.  And  the  next 
minute  he  entered,  ushering  in  the  Eev.  Mr.  Goodwin,  the 
parish  minister  of  Bethlehem,  St.  Mary's. 

"How  do  you  do  ?  How  do  you  do?  Glad  to  see  you, 
sir  !  glad  to  see  you,  though  obliged  to  receive  you  in  bed  ! 
Fact  is,  I  caught  a  cold  with  this  severe  change  of  weather, 
and  took  a  warm  negus  and  went  to  bed  to  sweat  it  off  ! 
You'll  excuse  me  !  Wool,  draw  that  easy  chair  up  to  my 
bedside  for  worthy  Mr.  Goodwin,  and  bring  him  a  glass  of 
warm  negus  !    It  will  do  him  good  after  his  cold  ride 

"  I  thank  you,  Major  Warfield  !  I  will  take  the  seat, 
but  not  the  negus,  if  you  please,  to-night." 

"Not  the  negus  !  Oh,  come  now,  you  are  joking  ! 
Why,  it  will  keep  you  from  catching  cold,  and  be  a  most 


THE  NOCTURNAL  VISIT. 


17 


comfortable  night-cap,  disposing  you  to  sleep  and  sweat  like 
a  baby  !    Of  course  you  spend  the  night  with  us  ?" 

I  thank  you,  no.  I  must  take  the  road  again  in  a  few 
minutes.'^ 

^'Take  the  road  again  to-night  !  Why,  man  alive,  it  is 
midnight,  and  the  snow  driving  like  all  Lapland  V 

Sir,  1  am  sorry  to  refuse  your  proffered  hospitality, 
and  leave  your  comfortable  roof  to-night,  and  sorrier  still  to 
have  to  take  you  with  me,"  said  the  pastor,  gravely. 

Take  ME  with  you  !  No,  no,  my  good  sir — no,  no, 
that  is  too  good  a  joke — ha !  ha  V 

Sir,  I  fear  that  you  will  find  it  a  very  serious  one  ! — 
Your  servant  told  you  that  my  errand  was  one  of  imminent 
urgency  ?" 

*^  Yes,  something  like  life  and  death  

Exactly — down  in  the  cabin  near  the  Punch  Bowl, 

there  is  an  old  woman  dying  " 

"  There — I  knew  it  !  I  was  just  saying  there  might  be 
an  old  woman  dying  !  But,  my  dear  sir,  what's  that  to 
me  ?   What  can  I  do 

^'  Humanity,  sir,  would  prompt  you 

But,  my  dear  sir,  how  can  I  help  her  ?  I  am  not  a 
physician  to  prescribe  " 

She  is  far  past  a  physician's  help  \" 

Nor  am  I  a  priest  to  hear  her  confession  " 

Her  confession  God  has  already  received.-" 

Well,  and  I'm  not  a  lawyer  to  draw  up  her  will  !" 

No,  sir  ;  but  3'ou  are  recently  appointed  one  of  the 
Justices  of  the  Peace  for  Alleghany  ?" 

"  Yes  !  well,  what  of  that  ?  That  does  not  comprise 
the  duty  of  getting  up  out  of  my  warm  bed  and  going 
through  a  snow-storm  to  see  an  old  woman  expire." 

I  regret  to  inconvenience  you,  sir  ;  but  in  this  instance 
your  duty  demands  your  attendance  at  the  bedside  of  this 

dying  woman  " 

^*  I  tell  you  I  can't  go  and  I  won't  !   Anything  in  rea- 


18 


THE  NOCTURNAL  VISIT. 


son,  1^11  do  !  Anything  I  can  send,  she  shall  have  ! — Here  ! 
Wool,  look  in  my  breeches  pocket  and  take  out  my  purse 
and  hand  it  !  And  then  go  and  wake  Mrs.  Condiment,  and 
ask  her  to  fill  a  large  basket  full  of  everything  a  poor  old 
dying  woman  might  want,  and  you  shall  carry  it  !" 

Spare  your  pains,  sir!  The  poor  woman  is  already 
past  all  earthly,  selfish  wants  !  She  only  asks  your  presence 
at  her  dying  bed." 

But  I  can't  go  !  I  !  the  idea  of  turning  out  of  my 
warm  bed  and  exposing  myself  to  a  snow-storm  this  time 
of  night  V 

Excuse  me  for  insisting,  sir ;  but  this  is  an  official 
duty,"  said  the  parson,  mildly  but  firmly. 

^'  ril — 111  throw   up   my   commission  to-morrow 
growled  the  old  man. 

To-morrow  you  may  do  that  !  but  meanwhile,  to- 
night, being  still  in  the  commission  of  the  peace,  you  are 
bound  to  get  up  and  go  with  me  to  this  woman^s  bedside." 

And  what  the  demon  is  wanted  of  me  there  ?" 

To  receive  her  dying  deposition  !" 
"  To  receive  a  dying  deposition  !    Good  Heaven  !  was 
she  murdered,  then  ?"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  in  alarm,  as  he 
started  out  of  bed  and  began  to  draw  on  his  nether  gar- 
ments. 

Be  composed — she  was  not  murdered  !"  said  the  pastor. 
*'^Well,  then,  what  is  it?    Dying  deposition  !  It  must 
concern  a  crime  !"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  hastily  drawing 
on  his  coat. 

"  It  does  concern  a  crime." 
What  crime,  for  the  love  of  Heaven  ?" 
I  am  not  at  liberty  to  tell  you.    She  will  do  that." 
"  Wool,  go  down  and  rouse  up  Jehu,  and  tell  him  to  put 
Parson  Goodwin's  mule  in  the  stable  for  the  night.  And 
tell  him  to  put  the  black  draught-horses  to  the  close  carriage, 
and  light  both  the  front  lanterns — for  we  shall  have  a  d;irk, 
stormy  road  Shut  the  door,  you  infernal ! — I  beg  your 


THE  MASKS. 


19 


pardon^  parson,  but  that  villain  always  leaves  the  door  ajar 
after  him/' 

The  good  pastor  bowed  gravely.  And  the  major  com- 
pleted his  toilet  by  the  time  the  servant  returned  and 
reported  the  carriage  ready. 

It  was  dark  as  pitch  when  they  emerged  from  the  hall- 
door  out  into  the  front  portico,  before  which  nothing  could 
be  seen  but  two  red  bull's  eyes  of  the  carriage  lanterns,  and 
nothing  heard  but  the  dissatisfied  whinnying  and  pawing  of 
the  horses. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  MASKS. 

"  What  are  these? 
So  withered  and  so  wild  in  their  attire 
That  look  not  like  th'  inhabitants  of  earth 
And  yet  are  on't  ?"  — Macbeth. 

To  THE  Devil's  Punch  Bowl " — was  the  order  given  by 
Old  Hurricane  as  he  followed  the  minister  into  the  carriage. 
And  now,  sir/'  he  continued,  addressing  his  companion, 
I  think  you  had  better  repeat  that  part  of  the  church 
litany  that  prays  to  be  delivered  from  battle,  murder,  and 
sadden  death  ;'  for  if  we  should  be  so  lucky  as  to  escape 
Black  Donald  and  his  gang,  we  shall  have  at  least  an  equal 
chance  of  being  upset  in  the  darkness  of  these  dreadful 
mountains.^' 

^' A  pair  of  saddle-mules  would  have  been  a  safer  con- 
veyance, certainly,'^  said  the  minister. 

Old  Hurricane  knevv'  that,  but  though  a  great  sensualist, 
he  was  a  brave  man,  and  so  he  had  rather  risk  his  life  in  a 
close  carriage  than  suffer  cold  upon  a  sure-footed  mule's 
back. 


20 


THE  MASKS. 


Only  by  previous  knowledge  of  tlie  route  could  any  one 
have  told  the  way  the  carriage  went.  Old  Hurricane  and 
the  minister  both  knew  that  they  drove,  lumbering,  over  the 
rough  road  leading  by  serpentine  windings  down  that  rug- 
ged fall  of  ground  to  the  river^s  bank,  and  that  then  turn- 
ing to  the  left  by  a  short  bend,  they  passed  in  behind  that 
range  of  horse-shoe  rocks  that  sheltered  Hurricane  Hall — 
thus,  as  it  were,  doubling  their  own  road.  Beneath  thrit 
range  of  rocks,  and  between  it  and  another  range,  there  was 
an  awful  abyss  or  chasm  of  cleft,  torn  and  jagged  rocks, 
opening  as  it  were  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  in  the  shape 
of  a  mammoth  bowl,  in  the  bottom  of  which,  almost  invisible 
from  its  great  depth,  seethed  and  boiled  a  mass  of  dark 
water  of  what  seemed  to  be  a  lost  river  or  a  subterranean 
spring.  This  terrific  phenomenon  was  called  the  DeviFs 
Punch  Bowl. 

Not  far  from  the  brink  of  this  awful  abyss,  and  close 
behind  the  horse-shoe  range  of  rocks,  stood  an  humble  log- 
cabin,  occupied  by  an  old  free  negro,  who  picked  up  a  scanty 
living  by  telling  fortunes  and  showing  the  way  to  the  Punch 
Bowl.  Her  cabin  went  by  name  of  the  Witches  Hut — or  old 
Hat^s  cabin.  A  short  distance  from  Hat's  cabin  the  road 
became  impassable,  and  the  travelers  got  out,  and  preceded 
by  the  coachman  bearing  the  lantern,  struggled  along  on 
foot  through  the  drifted  snow  and  against  the  buffeting 
wind  and  sleet  to  where  a  faint  light  guided  them  to  the 
house. 

The  pastor  knocked.  The  door  was  immediately 
opened  by  a  negro,  whose  sex  from  the  strange  anomalous 
costume  it  was  difficult  to  guess.  The  tall  form  was  rigged 
out  first  in  a  long,  red,  cloth  petticoat,  above  which  was 
buttoned  a  blue  cloth  surtout.  A  man's  old  black  beaver 
hat  sat  upon  the  strange  head  and  completed  this  odd 
attire. 

"  Well,  Hat,  how  is  your  patient 't"  inquired  the  pastor, 
as  he  entered,  preceding  the  magistrate. 


THE  MASKS. 


21 


You  vrill  see,  sir/*'  repliel  rlie  old  woman. 
The  two  Tisitors  looked  around  the  dimly-lighted,  mis- 
erable room,  in  one  corner  of  which  stood  a  low  bed^  upon 
which  lay  extended  the  form  of  an  old^  feeble^  and  gray- 
haired  woman. 

''How  are  you,  my  poor  soul,  and  what  can  I  do  for 
you  nov,-  I  am  here  ?''  inquired  Old  Hurricane,  who  in  the 
actual  presence  of  suffering,  was  not  utterly  without  pity. 
You  are  a  magistrate     inquired  the  dying  woman. 
Yes,  my  poor  soul.''^ 

And  qualified  to  administer  an  oath  and  take  your 
deposition,"  said  the  minister. 

"Will  it  be  legal — will  it  be  evidence  in  a  cottrt  of 
law     asked  the  woman,  lifting  her  dim  eyes  to  the  major. 

Certainly,  my  poor  soul  I  certainly,"  said  the  latter, 
who,  by  the  way,  would  have  said  anything  to  soothe  her. 

Send  everyone  but  yourself  from  the  room." 

What,  my  good  soul,  send  the  parson  out  in  the 
storm  ?  That  will  never  do  ?  TTon't  it  be  just  as  well  to 
let  him  go  up  in  the  corner  yonder  ?" 

Xo  !  Yoii  will  repent  it  unless  this  communication 
is  strictly  private." 

^^But — my  good  soul,  if  it  is  to  be  used  in  a  court  of 
law  ?" 

That  will  be  according  to  your  own  discretion  !" 

My  dear  parson,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  going  to  the 
minister,     would  you  be  so  good  as  to  retire  ?" 

There  is  a  fire  in  the  woodshed,  master,"  said  Hat, 
leading  the  way. 

iSTow,  my  good  soul,  now  !  You  want  first  to  be  put 
upon  your  oath  ?" 

Yes,  sir." 

The  old  man  drew  from  his  great  coat  pocket  a  minia- 
ture copy  of  the  Scriptures,  and  with  the  usual  formalities 
administered  the  oath. 

''Now  then,  my  good  soul,  begin — 'the  truth,  the 


22 


THE  MASKS. 


wliole  trutli^  and  nothing  but  tlie  trutli '  you  know.  But- 
first^  your  name  V 

^'  Is  it  possible  you  don't  know  me^  master  ?" 

"  Hot  I,  in  faith  V 

''¥oY  the  love  of  Heaven,  look  at  me  and  try  to  recol- 
lect me,  sir  !  It  is  necessary  some  one  in  authority  should 
be  able  to  know  me, "  said  the  woman,  raising  her  haggard 
eyes  to  the  face  of  her  yisitor. 

The  old  man  adjusted  his  spectacles  and  gaye  her  a 
scrutinizing  look,  exclaiming  at  intervals  : 

Lord  bless  my  soul !  it  is  !  it  aint  !  it  must  !  it  can't 
be  !  Granny  Grewell,  the — the — tlie — midwife  that  disap- 
peared from  here  some  twelve  or  thirteen  years  ago  \" 

"  Yes,  master,  I  am  N'ancy  Grewell,  the  ladies'  nurse 
who  vanished  from  sight  so  mysteriously  some  thirteen 
years  ago  !"  replied  the  woman. 

Heaven  help  our  hearts  !    And  for  what  crime  was  it 
you  ran  away  ?    Come — make  a  clean  breast  of  it,  woman. 
You  have  nothing  to  fear  in  doing  so,  for  you  are  past  the 
arm  of  earthly  law  now  !" 
I  know  it,  master." 

And  the  best  way  to  prepare  to  meet  the  Divine  Judge 
is  to  make  all  the  reiDaration  that  you  can  by  a  full  confes- 
sion !" 

"  I  know  it,  sir, — if  I  had  committed  a  crime  ;  but  I 
have  committed  no  crime,  neither  did  I  run  away  V 

"  What  ?  what?  what  ?— What  was  it  then  ?  Remem- 
ber, witness,  you  are  on  your  oath  ?" 

'^1  know  that,  sir,  and  I  will  tell  the  truth;  but  it 
must  be  in  my  own  way." 

At  this  moment  a  violent  blast  of  wind  and  hail  roared 
down  the  mountain  side  and  rattled  against  the  walls, 
shaking  the  witch's  hut,  as  if  it  would  have  shaken  it 
about  their  ears. 

It  was  a  proper  overture  to  the  tale  that  was  about  to 
be  told.     Conversation  was  impossible  until  the  storm 


THE  MASKS. 


23 


raved  past  and  was  heard  dying  in  deep,  reyerberating 
echoes  from  the  depths  of  the  Devil's  Punch  Bowl. 

'^It  is  some  thirteen  years  ago/*'  began  Granny  Gre- 
well,  ''^upon  just  such  a  night  of  storm  as  this,  that  I  was 
mounted  on  my  old  mule  Molly,  with  my  saddle-bags  full 
of  dried  yarbs,  and  stilled  waters  and  sich,  as  I  alius  car- 
ried when  I  was  out  'tendin'  on  the  sick.  I  was  on  my 
way  a-going  to  see  a  lady  as  I  was  sent  for  to  tend. 

*^\Yell,  master  !  I'm  not  'shamed  to  say,  as  I  never  was 
afraid  of  man,  beast,  nor  sperrit  !  and  never  stopped  at 
going  out  at  all  hours  of  the  night,  through  the  most  lone- 
some roads,  if  so  be  I  was  called  upon  so  to  do  !  Still  I 
must  say  that  jest  as  me  and  Molly  my  mule  got  into  that 
deep,  thick,  lonesome  woods  as  stands  round  the  old  Hid- 
den House  in  the  hollow  I  did  feel  queerish ;  'case  it  was 
the  dead  hour  of  the  night,  and  it  was  said  how  strange 
things  were  seen  and  hearn,  yes,  and  done  too,  in  that 
dark,  deep,  lonesome  place  !  I  seen  how  even  m}'  mule 
^lolly  felt  qneer  too,  by  the  way  she  stuck  up  her  ears,  stiff 
as  quills.  So,  partly  to  keep  up  my  own  spirits,  and 
partly  to  'courage  her,  says  I,  ^  Molly,'  says  I,  ^  what  are 
ye  afeard  on  ?  Be  a  man  Molly  !'  But  Molly  stepped  out 
cautious,  and  pricked  up  her  long  ears  all  the  same. 

^^Well,  master,  it  was  so  dark  I  couldn't  see  a  yard 
past  Molly's  ears,  and  the  path  was  so  narrow  and  the 
bushes  so  thick  we  could  hardly  get  along  !  but  just  as  we 
came  to  that  little  creek  as  they  calls  the  Spout,  cause  the 
water  jumps  and  jets  along  till  it  empties  into  the  Punch 
Bowl,  and  just  as  Molly  was  cautiously  putting  her  fore- 
foot into  the  water,  out  starts  two  men  from  the  bushes 
and  seizes  poor  Molly's  bridle  !" 

Good  heaven  !"'  exclaimed  Major  Warfield. 
Well,  master,  before  I  could  cry  out  one  of  them 
willians  seized  me  by  the  scruff  of  my  neck,  and  with  his 
other  hand  upon  my  mouth,  he  says  : 

"  'Be  silent,  you  old  fool,  or  I'll  blow  your  brains  out !" 


24 


THE  MASKS. 


"  And  then,  master,  I  saw  for  tlie  first  time  that  their 
faces  tvere  covered  over  with  Uach  crape.  I  couldn't  a- 
screamed  if  they'd  let  me  !  for  my  breath  was  gone  and  my 
senses  where  going  along  with  'em  from  the  fear  that  was 
on  me. 

''  'Don't  struggle;  come  along  quietly  and  you  shall 
not  be  hurt/  says  the  man  as  had  spoke  before. 

"  Struggle  !  I  couldn't  a-strnggled  to  a-saved  my 
soul !  I  couldn't  speak  !  I  couldn't  breathe  !  I  liked  to 
have  a-dropped  right  offen  Molly's  back.  One  on  'em 
says,  says  he  : 

'  Giye  her  some  brandy  !'   And  'tother  takes  out  a 
flask  and  puts  it  to  my  lips  and  says,  says  he  : 
'  Here  drink  this.' 

''Well,  master,  as  he  had  me  still  by  the  scruff  o'  the 
neck  I  couldn't  do  no  other  ways  but  o-pen  my  mouth  and 
drink  it.  And  as  soon  as  I  took  a  swallow  my  breath  come 
back  and  my  speech. 

"  'And  oh,  gentlemen,'  says  I,  *  ef  it's  your  money  or 
your  life,"  you  mean,  I  haint  it  about  me  !  'Deed  'clare  to 
the  Lord-a-mighty  I  haint !  It's  wrapped  up  in  an  old  cot- 
ton glove  in  a  hole  in  the  plastering  in  the  chimney-corner 
at  home,  and  ef  you'll  spare  my  life,  you  can  go  there  and 
get  it,'  says  I. 

"  *'  You  old  blockhead,'  says  they,  '  we  want  neither  one 
nor  'tother  !  Come  along  quietly  and  you  shall  receive  no 
harm.  But  at  the  first  cry,  "or  attempt  to  escape — this 
shall  stop  you  !'  And  with  that  the  willain  held  the  muz- 
zle of  a  pistol  so  nigh  to  my  nose  that  I  smelt  brimstone, 
while  'tother  one  bound  a  silk  hankercher  'round  my  eyes, 
and  then  took  poor  Molly's  bridle  and  led  her  along.  I 
couldn't  see,  in  course,  and  I  dassint  breathe  for  fear  'o  the 
pistol.    But  I  said  my  prayers  to  myself  all  the  time. 

"Well,  master,  they  led  the  mule  on  down  the  path 
until  we  comcd  to  a  place  wide  enough  to  tun;,  when  they 
turned  us  'round  and  led  ns  back  outen  the  wood,  and  then 


THE  MASKS. 


25 


round  and  rounds  and  up  and  down,  and  cross  ways  and 
length  ways,  as  ef  they  didn^t  want  me  to  find  where  they 
were  taking  me. 

"Well,  sir,  when  they'd  walked  about  in  this  'fused 
way,  leadin'  of  the  mule  about  a  mile,  I  knew  we  was  in 
the  woods  again — the  very  same  woods  and  the  very  same 
path — I  knowed  by  the  feel  of  the  place  and  the  sound  of 
the  bushes,  as  we  hit  up  against  them  each  side,  and  also 
by  the  rumbling  of  the  Spout  as  it  tumbled  along  toward 
the  Punch  Bowl.  We  went  down,  and  down  and  down, 
and  lower  and  lower  and  lower,  until  we  got  right  down  in 
the  bottom  of  that  hollow. 

"  Then  we  stopped.  A  gate  was  opened.  I  put  up  my 
hand  to  raise  the  handkerchief  and  see  where  I  was ;  but 
just  at  that  minute  I  felt  the  muzzle  o'  the  pistol  like  a 
ring  of  ice  right  ag'in'  my  right  temple,  and  the  willain 
growling  into  my  ear  : 

"  'If  you  do  r 

"  But  I  didn't — I  dropped  my  hand  down  as  if  I  had 
been  shot,  and  afore  I  had  seen  anjrthing,  either.  So  we 
went  through  the  gate  and  up  a  gravelly  walk — I  knew  it 
by  the  crackling  of  the  gravel  under  Molly's  feet — and 
stopped  at  a  horse-block,  where  one  o'  them  willains  lifted 
me  off.    I  put  up  my  hand  again. 

'Do  if  you  dare/ says  t'other  one,  with  the  muzzle  of 
the  pistol  at  my  head. 

"I  dropped  my  hand  like  lead.  So  they  lead  me  on  a 
little  way,  and  then  up  some  steps  I  counted  them  to  my- 
self as  I  went  along.  They  were  six.  You  see,  master,  I 
took  all  this  pains  to  know  the  house  again.  Then  they 
opened  a  door  that  opened  in  the  middle.  Then  they  went 
along  a  passage  and  up  more  stairs — there  was  ten  and  a 
turn,  and  then  ten  more.  Then  along  another  passage, 
and  up  another  flight  of  stairs  just  like  the  first.  Then 
along  another  passage  and  up  a  third  flight  of  stairs.  They 
was  alike. 


26 


THE  MASKS. 


Well,  sir,  here  we  was  at  the  top  o'  the  house.  One 
o^  them  willains  opened  a  door  on  the  left  side,  and  toother 
said: 

^  There — go  in  and  do  your  duty  and  pushed  me 
through  the  door,  and  shut  and  locked  it  on  me.  Good 
gracious,  sir,  how  scared  I  was  !  I  slipped  off  the  silk 
handkercher,  and  ^feared  as  I  was,  I  didn't  forget  to  put  it 
in  my  bosom. 

^'^  Then  I  looked  about  me.  Eight  afore  me  on  the  hearth 
was  a  little  weeny  taper  burning,  that  showed  I  was  in  a 
great  big  garret  with  sloping  walls.  At  one  end  two  deep 
dormer  windows,  and  a  black  walnut  bureau  standing  be- 
tween them.  At  t'other  end  a  great  tester  bedstead  with 
dark  curtains.  There  was  a  dark  carpet  on  the  floor.  And 
with  all  there  were  so  many  dark  objects  and  so  many  shad- 
ows, and  the  little  taper  burned  so  dimly  that  I  could  hardly 
tell  t'other  from  which,  or  keep  from  breaking  my  nose 
against  things  as  I  groped  about. 

And  what  was  in  this  room  for  to  do  ?    I  couldn't  even 
form  an  idee.    But  presently  my  blood  ran  cold  to  hear  a 
groan  from  behind  the  curtains  !  then  another  !  and  another! 
then  a  cry  as  if  some  child  in  mortal  agony,  saying  ; 
^  For  tliG  love  of  Heaven,  save  me  r 

"  I  ran  to  the  bed  and  dropped  the  curtains,  and  liked 
to  have  fainted  at  what  I  saw  !" 

And  what  did  you  see  ?"  asked  the  magistrate. 

'^Master,  behind  those  dark  curtains  I  saw  a  young 
creature  tossing  about  on  the  bed,  flinging  her  fair  and 
beautiful  arms  about,  and  tearing  wildly  at  the  fine  lace 
that  trimed  her  night-dress.  But,  master,  that  wasn't  what 
almost  made  me  faint — it  was  that  her  right  hand  was  seived 
up  in  Hack  crape,  and  her  luhole  face  and  head  completely 
covered  with  Uach  crape,  draiun  doiun  and  fastened  securely 
around  her  throat,  leaving  only  a  small  slit  at  the  lips  and 
nose  to  Ireathe  through !" 


THE  MASKS. 


27 


^^Wliatl  take  care,  woman!  rememTDer  tliat  yon  are 
upon  your  oath  V  said  the  magistrate. 

I  know  it,  master  !  And  as  I  hope  to  be  forgiven,  I 
am  telling  you  the  truth/' 

''Qo  on,  then.'' 

^'^Well,  sir,  she  was  a  young  creature,  scarcely  past 
childhood,  if  one  might  judge  by  her  small  size  and  soft, 
rosy  skin.  I  asked  her  to  let  me  take  that  black  crape 
from  her  face  and  head,  but  she  threw  up  her  hands  {ind 
exclaimed  : 

'  Oil,  no,  no,  no!  for  my  life,  no P 

Well,  master,  I  hardly  know  how  to  tell  you  what 
followed — "  said  the  old  woman,  hesitating  in  embarrass- 
ment. 

Go  right  straight  on  like  a  car  of  Juggernaut,  woman! 
Eemember — the  whole  truth  V 

Well,  master  in  the  next  two  hours  there  were  twins 
born  ill  that  room — a  boy  and  a  girl ;  the  boy  was  dead, 
the  girl  living.  And  all  the  time  I  heard  the  measured 
tramping  of  one  of  them  willians  up  and  down  the  passage 
outside  of  that  room.  Presently  the  steps  stopped,  and 
there  was  a  rap  at  the  door.  I  went  and  listened,  but  did 
not  open  it. 

'  Is  it  all  over  ?'  the  voice  asked. 

Before  I  could  answer,  a  cry  from  the  bed  caused  me 
to  look  round.    There  was  the  poor  masked  mother  stretch- 
ing out  her  white  arms  towards  me  in  the  most  imploring 
way.    I  hastened  back  to  her. 
"  '  Tell  Mm— 710 — no,'  she  said. 

'  Have  you  got  through  ?'  asked  the  man  at  the  door, 
rapping  impatiently. 

"  ^  No,  no,'  said  I,  as  directed. 

He  resumed  his  tramping  up  and  down,  and  I  went 
back  to  my  patient.  She  beckoned  me  to  come  close,  and 
whispered  : 

'  Save  my  cliild!  the  living  one  I  mean  I  Mde  her  !  oh, 


28 


THE  MASKS. 


hide  her  from  Mm  !  When  lie  demands  the  babe,  give  him 
the  poor  little  dead  one — he  cannot  hurt  that  I  Aad  he 
will  not  know  there  was  another.  Oh  !  hide  and  save  my 
child  !^ 

Master,  I  was  used  to  queer  doings,  but  this  was  a  lit- 
tle the  queerest.  But  if  I  was  to  conceal  that  second  child 
in  order  to  save  it,  it  was  necessary  to  stop  its  mouth,  for 
it  was  squalling  like  a  wild  cat.  So  I  took  a  vial  of  pare- 
goric from  my  pocket  and  gave  it  a  drop,  and  it  went  off  to 
sleep  like  an  angel.  I  wrapped  it  up  warm  and  lay  it  along 
with  my  shawl  and  bonnet  in  a  dark  corner.  Just  then 
the  man  rapped  again. 

"  '  Come  in,  master,'  said  I. 

'  No  bring  me  the  babe,'  he  said. 

I  took  up  the  dead  infant.  Its  mother  kissed  its 
brow,  and  dropped  tears  upon  its  little  cold  face.  And  I 
carried  it  to  the  man  outside. 

'  Is  it  asleep  V  the  willain  asked  me 

'  Yes,  master'' — said  I,  as  I  put  it,  well  wrapped  up, 
in  his  arms — '  very  sound  asleep.' 

^  So  much  the  better,'  said  the  knave,  walking  away. 

I  bolted  the  door  and  went  back  to  my  patient.  With 
her  free  hand  she  seized  mine  and  pressed  it  to  her  lips, 
then  held  up  her  left  hand  and  pointed  to  the  wedding  ring 
upon  her  third  finger. 

'  Draw  it  off  and  keep  it,'  she  said,  '  conceal  the  child 
under  your  shawl,  and  take  her  with  you  when  you  go  I 
save  her,  and  your  fortune  shall  be  made.' 

^^I  declare,  master,  I  hadn't  time  to  think,  before  I 
heard  one  of  them  wretches  rap  at  the  door. 

'  Come  ?  get  ready  to  go,'  he  said. 

She  also  beckoned  me.  I  hastened  to  her.  With 
eager  whispers  and  imploring  gestures  she  prayed  me  to 
take  her  ring  and  save  her  child. 

'  But  you,'  said  I — '  who  is  to  attend  to  you  ?' 

'  I  do  not  know  or  care  !    Save  her  P 


THE  MASKS. 


29 


"  The  rapping  continued.    I  ran  to  the  corner  where  I 
had  left  my  things.    I  put  on  my  bonnet,  made  a  sort  of 
sling  around  my  neck  of  the  silk  handkercher,  opened  the 
large  part  of  it  like  a  hammock,  and  laid  the  little  sleeping 
babe  there.    Then  I  folded  my  big  shawl  around  my  breast, 
and  nobody  any  the  wiser.   The  rapping  was  very  impatient. 
'  I  am  coming,^  said  I. 
"  ^  Remember    whispered  the  poor  girl. 
"  '  I  will/ssiid  T,  and  went  and  opened  the  door.  There 
stood  t'other  willain,  with  his  head  covered  with  black 
crape.    I  dreamt  of  nothing  but  black-headed  demons  for 
six  months  afterwards. 

'  Are  you  ready  ?'  says  he 
'  Yes,  your  worship,^  says  I. 
'  Come  along,  then.^  . 

And  binding  another  silk  handkercher  round  my  eyes, 
Le  led  me  along. 

Instead  of  my  mule,  a  carriage  stood  near  the  horse 
block. 

'  Get  in,^  says  he,  holding  the  pistol  to  my  ears  by  way 
of  argument. 

I  got  in.  He  jumped  up  upon  the  driver's  seat  and 
we  drove  like  the  wind.  In  another  direction  from  that  in 
which  we  come,  in  course,  for  there  was  no  carriage  road 
there.  The  carriage  whirled  along  at  such  a  rate  it  made 
me  quite  giddy.  At  last  it  stopped  again.  The  man  in 
the  mask  got  down  and  opened  the  door. 
"  '  Where  are  you  taking  me  ?'  says  I. 

'  Be  quiet,'  says  he,  '  or  '    And  with  that  he  pat 

the  pistol  to  my  cheek,  ordered  me  to  get  out,  take  the 
bandage  from  my  eyes,  and  walk  before  him.  I  did  so, 
and  saw  dimly  that  we  were  in  a  part  of  the  country  that  I 
was  never  at  before.  We  were  in  a  dark  road  tbrougli  a 
thick  forest.  On  the  left  side  of  the  road,  in  a  clearing, 
stood  an  old  house ;  a  dim  light  was  burning  in  a  lower 
window. 


so 


THE  MASKS. 


'  Go  on  in  there/  said  tlie  willain,  putting  the  pistol 
to  the  back  of  my  head.  As  the  door  stood  ajar,  I  went  in, 
to  a  narrow  dark  passage,  the  man  all  the  time  at  my  back. 
He  opened  a  door  on  the  left  side,  and  made  me  go  into  a 
dark  room.  Just  then  the  unfortunate  child  that  had 
been  moving  restlessly  began  to  wail.  Well  it  might,  poor 
starved  thing. 

^What's  that  ?  says  the  miscreant,  under  his  breath, 
and  stopping  short. 

"  'It  ain^t  nothing,  sir,'  says  I,  and  'hush-h-h^  to  the 
baby.    But  the  poor  little  wretch  raised  a  squall. 

"  ^  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  T  says  he.  '  Where  did 
that  child  come  from.  Why  the  demon  don't  you  speak?' 
And  with  that  he  seized  me  again  by  the  scruff  of  the  neck, 
and  shook  me. 

^Oh,  master  !  for  the  love  of  heaven,  don't,'  says  I, 
'  this  is  only  a  poor  unfortunet  infant  as  its  parents  wanted 
to  get  outen  the  way,  and  hired  me  to  take  care  on.  And 
I  have  had  it  wrapped  up  under  my  shawl  all  the  time 
'cept  when  I  was  in  your  house,  when  I  put  it  to  sleep  in 
the  corner.' 

"  ^  Humph — and  you  had  that  child  concealed  under 
your  shawl  when  I  first  stopped  you  in  the  woods  ?' 
^  In  course,  master,'  says  1. 
''  '  Whose  is  it  ?' 

''^Master,'  says  I,  'it's — it's  a  dead  secret!'  for  I 
hadn't  another  lie  ready. 

"  He  broke  out  into  a  rude,  scornful  laugh,  and  seemed 
not  half  to  believe  me,  and  yet  not  to  care  about  question- 
ing me  too  closely.  He  made  me  sit  down  then  in  the 
dark,  and  went  out  and  turned  the  key  on  me.  I  wet  my 
finger  with  the  paragoric  and  put  it  to  the  baby's  lips  to 
quiet  its  pains  of  hunger.  Then  I  heard  a  whispering  in 
the  next  room.  E"ow,  my  eyesight  never  was  good,  but  to 
make  up  for  it  I  believe  I  had  the  sharpest  ears  that  ever 
was,  and  I  don't  think  anybody  could  have  heard  that 


THE  MASKS. 


31 


whispering  but  me.  I  saw  a  little  glimmer  of  light 
throngh  the  chinks  that  showed  me  where  the  door  was, 
and  so  I  creeped  up  to  it,  and  put  my  ear  to  the  keyhole. 
Still  they  whispered  so  low  that  no  ears  could  o^  heard 
them  but  my  sharp  ones.  The  first  words  I  heard  good, 
was  a  grumbling  Yoice  asking  : 
^^^How  old  r 

"  ^  Fifty — more  or  less,  but  strong,  active,  a  good 
nurse,  and  a  very  light  mulatto,^  says  my  willian's  yoice. 

^  Hum — too  old,^  says  the  other. 

'  But  I  will  throw  the  child  in.' 
"  A  low,  crackling  laugh  the  only  answer, 

^  You  mean  tliat  would  be  only  a  bother.  Well,  I 
want  to  get  rid  of  the  pair  of  them,-'  said  my  willian,  ^so 
name  the  price  you  are  willing  to  give."' 

^  Cap^n,  you  and  me  have  had  too  many  transactions 
together  to  make  any  flummery  about  this.  You  want  to 
to  get  shet  o'  them  pair,  /hain't  no  objections  to  turning 
an  honest  penny.  So  jest  make  out  the  papers — bill  o' 
sale  o'  the  'oman  Kate,  or  whatsoever  her  name  may  be, 
and  the  child,  with  any  price  you  please,  so  it  is  only  a 
make-believe  price  !  and  Til  engage  to  take  her  away,  and 
make  the  most  I  can  of  them  in  the  South — that  won't  be 
much,  seeing  its  only  an  old  'oman  and  child — scarcely  a 
fair  profit  on  the  expense  o'  takin'  o'  her  out.  Now,  as 
money's  no  object  to  you,  Cap'n — ' 

i  Yery  well,  have  your  own  way,  only  don't  let  that 
woman  escape  and  return, /or  if  you  do — ' 

" '  I  understand,  Cap'n ;  but  I  reckon  you  needn't 
threaten,  for  if  you  could  blow  me — why  I  would  return 
you  the  same  favor,'  said  the  other,  raising  his  voice,  and 
laughing  aloud. 

'  Be  quiet,  fool,  or  come  away  farther — here.'  And 
the  two  willians  moved  out  of  even  my  hearing. 

I  should  o'  been  uneasy,  master,  if  it  hadn't  been  the 


32 


THE  MASKS. 


'omaii  they  were  talking  about  was  named  Kate,  and  that 
v/arn^t  my  name,  which  were  well  beknown  to  be  !N"ancy. 

'  Presently  I  heard  the  carriage  drive  away.  And 
almost  immediately  after  the  door  was  unlocked,  and  a 
great,  big,  black-bearded  and  black-headed  beast  of  a  ruff- 
ian came  in,  and  says  he: 

^  Well,  my  woman,  have  you  had  any  supper  ?' 

'  No,"  said  I,  ^  I  hain't ;  and  ef  Fm  to  stay  here  any 
length  of  time,  Fd  be  obleeged  to  you  to  let  me  have  some 
hot  water  and  milk  to  make  pap  for  this  perishing  baby.'' 

*  Follow  me,"  says  he. 
"And  he  took  me  into  the  kitchen  at  the  back  of  the 
house,  where  there  was  a  fire  in  the  fireplace,  and  a  cup- 
board with  all  that  I  needed.  Well,  sir,  not  to  tire  you,  I 
made  a  nursing  bottle  for  the  baby,  and  fed  it.  And  then 
I  got  something  for  my  own  supper,  or  rather,  breakfast, 
for  it  was  now  near  the  dawn  of  day.  Well,  sir,  I  thought 
I  would  try  to  get  out  and  look  about  myself,  to  see  what 
the  neighborhood  looked  like  by  daylight ;  but  when  I 
tried  the  door  I  found  myself  locked  up,  a  close  prisoner. 
I  looked  out  of  the  window,  and  saw  nothing  but  a  little 
back  yard,  closed  in  by  the  woods.  I  tried  to  raise  the  sash, 
but  it  was  nailed  down.  The  black-headed  monster  came 
in  just  about  that  minute,  and  seeing  what  I  was  a-doing  of, 
says  he  : 

"  '  Stop  that.' 

"  '  What  am  I  stopped  here  for  ?'  says  I ;  '  a  free  'oman,' 
says  I,  *  a-Vented  of  going  about  her  own  business  ?'  says  1. 

But  he  only  laughed  a  loud,  crackling,  scornful  laugh, 
and  went  out,  turning  the  key  after  him. 

"  A  little  after  sunrise,  an  old,  dried-up,  spiteful-look- 
ing hag  of  a  woman  came  in,  and  began  to  get  breakfast. 
"  ^  What  am  I  kept  here  for  V  says  I  to  her. 

"  But  she  took  no  notice  at  all ;  nor  could  I  get  so  much 
as  a  single  word  outen  her.  In  fact,  master,  the  little 
'oman  was  deaf  an'  dumb. 


THE  MASKS. 


33 


"  Well,  sir,  to  be  short,  I  was  kept  in  that  place  all  day 
long,  and  when  night  come  I  was  druv  into  a  shay  at  the 
point  of  the  pistol,  and  rattled  along  as  fast  as  the  horses 
could  gallop  over  a  road  as  I  knew  nothing  of.  We 
changed  horses  wunsfc  or  twict,  and  just  about  the  dawn  of 
day  we  come  to  a  broad  river  with  a  vessel  laying  to,  not  far 
from  the  shore. 

"  As  soon  as  the  shay  druv  down  on  the  sands,  the  wil- 
lain  as  had  run  away  with  me  puts  a  pipe  to  his  willainous 
mouth  and  blows  like  mad.  Somebody  else  blowed  back 
from  the  vessel.  Then  a  boat  was  put  off  and  rowed 
ashore.  I  was  forced  to  get  into  it  and  was  follered  by 
the  willain.  We  was  rowed  to  the  vessel,  and  I  was  druv 
up  the  ladder  on  to  the  decks.  And  there,  master,  right 
afore  my  own  looking  eyes,  me  and  the  baby  was  traded  off 
to  the  captain  !  It  was  no  use  for  me  to  ^splain  gr  ^spostu- 
late  !  I  wan^t  bT.ieved.  The  willain  as  had  stole  me  got 
back  into  the  boat  and  went  ashore.  And  I  saw  him  get 
into  the  shay  and  drive  away.  It  was  no  use  for  me  to 
howl  and  cry,  though  I  did  both,  for  I  couldn't  even  hear 
myself  for  the  swearing  of  the  captain  and  the  noise  of  the 
crew,  as  they  was  a  gettin'  of  the  vessel  under  way.  Well, 
sir,  we  sailed  down  that  river  and  out  to  sea. 

"  Now,  sir,  come  a  strange  providence,  which  the  very 
thoughts  of  it  might  convert  a  heathen  !  We  had  been  to 
sea  about  five  days  when  a  dreadful  storm  riz.  Oh,  mas- 
ter !  the  inky  blackness  of  the  sky,  the  roaring  of  the  wind, 
the  raging  of  the  sea,  the  leaping  of  the  waves,  and  the 
rocking  of  that  vessel — and  every  once  in  a  while,  sea  and 
ship  all  ablaze  with  the  blinding  lightning — was  a  thing  to 
see,  not  to  hear  tell  of  !  I  tell  you,  marster,  that  looked 
like  the  wrath  of  God  !  And  then  the  cursing  and  swear- 
ing and  bawling  of  the  captain  and  the  crew,  as  they  were 
a-takin'  in  of  sail,  was  enough  to  raise  one's  hair  on  their 
head  I  I  hugged  the  baby  to  my  breast — and  went  to 
praying  as  hard  as  ever  I  could  pray. 


34:  THE  MASKS. 

Presently  I  felt  an  awful  shock,  as  if  heaven  and 
eartli  had  come  together,  and  then  everybody  screaming, 
*  She's  struck  !  She's  struck  V  I  felt  the  vessel  trembling 
like  a  live  creetur,  and  the  water  a  pouriug  in  everywhere. 
I  hugged  the  babe  and  scrambled  up  the  companion-way  to 
the  deck.  It  was  pitch  dark,  and  I  heard  every  man  rush= 
ing  towards  one  side  of  the  vessel. 

A  flash  of  lightning,  that  made  everything  as  bright  as 
day  again,  showed  me  that  they  were  all  taking  to  the 
boat.  I  rushed  after,  calling  to  them  to  save  me  and  the 
baby.  But  no  one  seemed  to  hear  me  ;  they  were  all  too 
busy  trying  to  save  themselves  and  keep  others  out  of  the 
boat,  and  cursing  and  swearing  and  hollering  that  there 
was  no  more  room,  that  the  boat  would  be  swamped,  and 
so  on.  The  end  was,  that  all  who  could  crowd  into  the 
boat  did  so.  And  me  and  the  baby  and  a  poor  sailor  lad 
and  the  black  cook  were  left  behind  to  perish. 

^''But,  marster,  as  it  turned  out,  we  as  was  left  to  die 
were  the  only  ones  saved.  We  watched  after  that  boat 
with  longing  eyes,  though  we  could  only  see  it  when  the 
lightning  flashed.  And  every  time  we  saw  it,  it  was 
further  off.  At  last,  marster,  a  flash  of  lightning  showed 
us  the  boat  as  far  off  as  ever  we  could  see  her,  capsisized 
and  beaten  hither  and  thither  by  tlie  wild  waves — its  crew 
had  perished. 

Marster,  as  soon  as  the  sea  had  swallowed  up  that 
wicked  captain  and  crew,  the  wind  died  away,  the  waves 
fell,  and  the  storm  lulled — just  as  if  it  had  done  what  it 
was  sent  to  do  and  was  satisfied.  The  wreck — where  we 
poor  forlorn  ones  stood — the  wreck  that  had  shivered  and 
irembied  with  every  wave  that  struck  it — until  we  had 
feared  it  would  break  up  every  minnte,  became  still  and 
firm  on  its  sand-bar,  as  a  house  on  dry  land. 

'^Daylight  came  at  last.  And  a  little  after  sunrise  we 
saw  a  sail  bearing  down  upon  us.  We  could  not  signal  the 
sail,  but  by  the  mercy  of  Providence,  she  saw  us  and  lay 


S5 


to,  and  sent  oit  a  boat,  and  picked  us  up  and  took  us  on 
board — me  and  the  baby,  and  the  cook  and  the  sailor  lad. 

^'  It  was  a  foreign  wessel,  and  we  could  not  understand 
a  word  they  said,  nor  they  us.  All  we  could  do  was  by 
signs.  But  they  were  very  good  to  us,  dried  our  clothes 
and  gaye  us  breakfast,  and  made  us  lie  down  and  rest. 
And  then  put  about  and  continued  their  course.  The 
sailor  lad — Herbert  Grreyson — soon  found  out  and  told  me 
they  were  bound  for  New  York.  And,  in  fact,  marster, 
in  about  ten  days  we  made  that  port. 

^'  When  the  ship  anchored  below  the  Battery,  the 
officers  and  passengers  made  me  up  a  little  bundle  of 
clothes  and  a  little  purse  of  money,  and  put  me  ashore, 
and  there  I  was  in  a  strange  city,  so  bewildered  I  didn^t 
know  Y/hich  way  to  turn.  While  I  was  a-standing  there, 
in  danger  of  being  run  over  by  the  omnibuses,  the  sailor- 
boy  came  to  my  side  and  told  me  that  he  and  the  cook  w^as 
gwine  to  engage  on  board  of  another  ^Merican  wessel,  and 
axed  me  what  I  was  gwine  to  do.  I  told  him  how  I  didn^t 
know  what  I  should  do.  Then  he  said  heM  show  me 
where  I  could  go  and  stay  all  night,  and  so  he  took  me 
into  a  little  by-street  to  a  poor-looking  house,  where  the 
people  took  lodgers,  and  there  he  left  me  to  go  aboard  his 
ship.  As  1)6  went  away  he  advised  me  to  take  care  of  my 
money,  and  try  to  get  a  servant^s  place. 

Well,  marster,  I  aint  a  gwine  to  bother  you  with  tell- 
ing you  of  how  I  toiled  and  struggled  along  in  that  great 
city — fiist  living  out  as  a  servant,  and  afterwards  renting  a 
room  and  taking  in  washing  and  ironing — aye  !  how  I 
toiled  and  struggled — for — ton — long — years,  hoping  for 
the  time  to  come  when  I  should  be  able  to  return  to  this 
neighborhood,  where  I  was  known,  and  expose  the  evil 
deeds  of  them  willains.  And  for  this  cause  I  lived  on 
toiling  and  struggling,  and  laying  up  money,  penny  by 
penny.  Sometimes  I  was  fool  enough  to  tell  my  story  in 
the  hopes  of  getting  pity  and  help — but  telling  my  story 


36 


THE  MASKS. 


always  made  it  worse  for  me  !  some  thought  me  crazy  and 
others  thought  me  deceitful,  which  is  not  to  be  wondered 
at,  for  I  was  a  stranger,  and  my  adventures  were  indeed 
beyond  belief. 

"  No  one  ever  helped  me  but  the  lad  Herbert  Greyson. 
Whenever  he  came  from  sea,  he  sought  me  out,  and  made 
a  little  present  to  me  or  Cap. 

Cap,  marster,  was  Capitol  a,  the  child.  The  reason  I 
gave  her  that  name  was  because  on  that  ring  I  had  drawn 
from  the  masked  mother's  hand  were  the  two  names — 
Eugene — Capitola. 

Well,  marster,  the  last  time  Herbert  Greyson  came 
home,  he  gave  me  five  dollars,  and  that,  with  what  I  had 
saved,  was  enough  to  pay  my  passage  to  Norfolk. 

I  left  my  little  Cap  in  the  care  of  the  people  of  the 
house — she  was  big  enough  to  pay  for  her  keep  in  work — 
and  I  took  passage  for  Norfolk.  When  I  got  there  I  fell 
ill,  spent  all  my  money,  and  was  at  last  taken  to  the  poor- 
house.  Six  months  passed  away  before  I  was  discharged. 
And  then  six  more  before  I  had  earned  and  saved  money 
enough  to  pay  my  way  on  here. 

reached  here  three  days  ago,  and  found  a  wheat- 
field  growing  where  my  cottage-fire  used  to  burn,  and  all 
my  old  cronies  dead,  all  except  Old  Hat,  who  has  received 
and  given  me  shelter.  Sir,  my  story  is  done — make  what 
you  can  of  it  said  the  invalid^  sinking  down  in  her  bed 
as  if  utterly  exhausted. 

Old  Hurricane,  whose  countenance  had  expressed 
emotions  as  powerful  as  they  were  various  while  listening 
to  this  tale,  now  arose,  stepped  cautiously  to  the  door, 
drew  the  bolt,  and  coming  back  bent  his  head  and  asked : 

"  What  more  of  the  child  r 

'^Cap,  sir.  I  have  not  heard  a  word  of  Cap  since  I 
left  her  to  try  to  find  out  her  friends.  But  any  one  inter- 
ested in  her  might  inquire  for  her  at  Mrs.  Simmons's, 
laundress.  No.  8  Rag  Alley.'' 


THE  HASZ3.. 


37 


Yon  say  the  names  npon  that  ring  were — Engene— 
Capitola 

Yes^  sir^  they  Tvere.''' 

Have  you  that  ring  about  you 

Iso,  master.  I  thought  it  was  best  in  case  of  acci- 
dents to  leave  it  with  the  child.'" 

"  Hare  you  told  he?'  any  paifc  of  this  strange  history  ?" 
l^Oy  master^  nor  hinted  it ;  she  was  too  young  for  such 
a  confidence/-' 

You  were  right !  Had  she  any  mark  about  her  person 
by  which  she  could  be  identified 

^'YeS;  master^  a  very  strange  one.  In  the  middle  of 
her  left  palm  was  the  perfect  image  of  a  crimson  hand, 
about  half -an  inch  in  length.  There  was  also  another. 
Herbert  Greyson,  to  please  me,  marked  upon  her  fore-arm 
in  Indian  ink  her  name  and  birthday — ^  Capitola^  Oct. 
31st,  1832.""" 

Eight  !  Xow  tell  me,  my  good  soul,  do  you  know, 
from  what  you  were  enabled  to  observe,  what  house  that 
was  where  Capitola  was  born  ?"" 

'^I  am  an  my  oath  I    No,  sir,  I  do  not  Tcnoiu — but  "' 

"  You  suspect  ?"" 

The  woman  nodded. 

'^It  was — ""  said  old  Hurricane,  stooping  and  whisper- 
ing a  name  that  was  heard  by  no  one  but  the  sick  woman. 
She  nodded  again,  with  a  look  of  intense  meaning. 
Does  your  old  hostess  here.  Hat,  know  or  suspect  any- 
thing of  this  story  ?""  inquired  IMajor  Warfield. 

Xot  a  word  I  Xo  soul  but  yourself  has  heard  it  I"" 
That  is  right  I  Still  be  discreet  !  If  you  vrould  have 
the  wicked  punished  and  the  innocent  protected,  be  silent 
and  wary.  Have  no  anxiety  about  the  girl  !  What  man 
can  do  for  her.  will  I  do,  and  quickly  I  And  now  good  crea- 
ture, day  is  actually  dawning.  You  must  seek  repose. 
And  I  must  call  the  parson  in  and  return  home.  I  will  send 
Mrs.  Condiment  over  with  food,  wine,  medicine,  elothing, 


8S 


and  every  comfort  that  your  condition  requires/'  said  old 
Hurricane,  rising,  and  calling  in  the  clergyman,  with  whom 
he  soon  after  left  the  hut  for  home. 

They  reached  Hurricane  Hall  in  time  for  an  early  break- 
fast, which  the  astonished  housekeeper  had  prepared,  and 
for  which  their  night's  adventures  had  certainly  given  them 
a  good  appetite. 

Major  Warfield  kept  his  word,  and  as  soon  as  breakfast 
was  over  he  dispatched  Mrs.  Condiment  Avith  a  carriage 
filled  with  provisions  for  the  sick  woman.  But  they  were 
not  needed.  In  a  couple  of  hours  the  housekeeper  returned 
with  the  intelligence  that  the  old  nurse  was  dead.  The 
false  strength  of  mental  excitement  that  had  enabled  her  to 
tell  so  long  and  dreadful  a  tale,  had  been  the  last  flaring  up 
of  the  flame  of  life,  that  almost  immediately  went  out. 

I  am  not  sorry,  upon  the  whole,  for  now  I  shall  have 
the  game  in  my  own  hands  V  muttered  old  Hurricane  to 
himself — ^^Ah  !  Gabrielle  Le  Noir !  better  you  had  cast 
yourself  down  from  the  highest  rock  of  this  range  and  been 
dashed  to  pieces  below,  than  liave  thus  fallen  into  my 
power  I" 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  QUEST. 

Then  did  Sir  Knight  abandon  dwelling, 

And  out  he  rode.  — Hudibras. 

PuKSUANT  to  the  orders  of  Major  Warfield,  the  corpse 
of  the  old  midwife  was  the  next  day  after  her  decease 
brought  over  and  quietly  interred  in  the  family  graveyard 
of  Hurricane  Hall. 

And  then  Major  Warfield  astounded  his  household  by 


THE  QUEST. 


39 


giving  orders  to  his  houskeeper  and  his  body-servant  to 
prepare  his  wardrobe  and  pack  his  trunks  for  a  long  jour^ 
ney  to  the  north. 

What  can  the  major  be  thinking  of,  to  be  setting  out 
for  the  north  at  this  time  of  the  year  exclaimed  good 
little  Mrs.  Condiment,  as  she  picked  over  her  employer's 
shirts,  selecting  the  newest  and  warmest  to  be  done  up  for 
the  occasion. 

Lord  Almighty  only  knows ;  but  ■'pears  to  me 
marster's  never  been  right  in  his  head-piece  since  Hallow- 
eve  night,  when  he  took  that  ride  to  the  Witch's  Hut," 
replied  Wool,  who,  with  brush  and  sponge,  was  engaged  in 
rejuvenating  his  masters  outer-garments. 

But  let  his  family  wonder  as  they  would,  Old  Hurri- 
cane kept  his  own  counsel — only  just  as  he  was  going 
away,  lest  mystery  should  lead  to  investigation,  and  that  to 
discovery,  the  old  man  gave  out  that  he  was  going  north  to 
invest  capital  in  bank-stock,  and  so,  quite  unattended,  he 
departed. 

His  servant.  Wool,  indeed,  accompanied  him  as  far  as 
Tip-top,  the  little  hamlet  on  the  mountain  at  which  he 
was  to  meet  the  eastern  stage;  but  there,  having  seen  his 
master  comfortably  deposited  in  the  inside  of  the  coach, 
and  the  luggage  safely  stowed  in  the  boot.  Wool  was 
ordered  to  return  with  the  carriage.  And  Major  Warfield 
proceeded  on  his  journey  alone.  This  also  caused  much 
speculation  in  the  family. 

Who's  gwine  to  make  his  punch  and  warm  his  bed 
and  put  his  slippers  on  the  hearth  and  hang  his  gown  to  de 
fire — that's  what  /  want  to  know  cried  the  grieved  and 
indignant  Wool. 

Oh,  the  waiters  at  the  taverns  where  he  stops  can  do 
that  for  him,''  said  Mrs.  Condiment. 

"  No,  they  can't,  nuther  !  they  don't  know  his  ways  ! 
they  don't  know  nuffin'  'bout  him  !  I  'clare,  I  think  our 
old  marse  done  gone  clean  crazy  !    I  shouldn't  be  s'prised 


'40 


THE  QUEST. 


he'd  gone  off  to  de  norf  to  get  married,  and  was  to  bring 
home  a  young  wife  we-dem  V 

Tut !  tut !  tut  !  such  talk  !— that  will  never  do  V 
exclaimed  the  deeply-shocked  Mrs.  Condiment. 

"  Werry  well !  all  I  say  is,  *  Dem  as  libs  longest  will 
see  most  V*  said  Wool,  shaking  his  white  head.  After 
which  undeniable  apothegm  the  conversation  came  to  a 
stand. 

Meanwhile,  Old  Hurricane  pursued  his  journey — a 
lumbering,  old-fashioned  stage-coach  ride — across  the  moun- 
tains, creeping  a  snaiFs  crawl  up  one  side  of  the  precipice 
and  clattering  thunderously  down  the  other  at  a  headlong 
speed  that  pitched  the  back-seat  passengers  into  the  bosoms 
of  the- front  ones,  and  threatened  even  to  cast  the  coach  over 
the  heads  of  the  horses.  Three  days  and  nights  of  such 
rugged  riding  brought  the  traveler  to  Washington  City, 
where  he  rested  one  night,  and  then  took  the  cars  for  New 
York.  He  rested  another  night  in  Philadelphia,  resumed 
his  journey  by  the  first  train  in  the  morning,  and  reached 
New  York  about  noon. 

The  crowd,  the  noise,  the  hurry  and  confusion  at  the 
wharf  almost  drove  this  irascible  old  gentleman  mad  ! 
No,  confound  you 

I'll  see  your  neck  stretched  first,  you  villain  V' 
''Out  of  my  way  or  I'll  break  your  head,  sirrah  V'  were 
some  of  his  responses  to  the  solicitous  attentions  of  cabman 
and  porters.  At  length,  taking  up  his  heavy  carpet-bag  in 
both  hands,  Old  Hurricane  began  to  lay  about  him,  with 
such  effect  that  he  speedily  cleared  a  passage  for  himself 
through  the  crowd.  Then  addressing  a  coachman  who  had 
not  offended,  by  speaking  first,  he  said  : 

*'Here,  sir  !  Here  are  my  checks  !  Go  get  my  luggagd 
and  take  it  to  the  Astor  House.  Hand  the  clerk  this  card, 
and  tell  him  I  want  a  good  room,  well  warmed.  I  shall 
take  a  walk  around  the  city  before  going.   And  hark  ye  I 


OAPITOLA. 


41 


If  one  of  my  trunks  is  missing,  I'll  have  you  hanged,  you 
rogue  I" 

"  Breach  of  trust  isn't  a  banging  matter  in  jSTew  York, 
your  honor,"  laughed  the  hack-man,  as  he  touched  his  hat 
and  hurried  off  towards  the  crowd  collected  around  the 
baggage  car. 

Old  Hurricane  made  a  step  or  two,  as  if  he  would  bave 
pursued  and  punished  the  flippancy  of  the  man  ;  bat  finally 
thought  better  of  it,  picked  up  his  portmanteau  and  walked 
up  the  street  slowly,  with  frequent  pauses  and  bewildered 
looks,  as  though  he  had  forgotten  liis  directions,  or  lost  his 
way,  and  yet  hesitated  to  inquire  of  any  one  for  the  obscure 
little  alley  in  which  he  had  been  told  to  look  for  his 
treasure. 


CHAPTEE  IV. 

CAPITOLA. 

"  Her  sex  a  page's  dress  belied, 
Obscured  her  charms,  but  could  not  hide."     — ScoW. 

Please,  sir,  do  you  w^ant  your  carpet-bag  carried  P' 
asked  a  voice  near. 

Old  Hurricane  looked  around  him  with  a  puzzled  air, 
for  he  thought  that  a  young  girl  had  made  this  offer,  so 
soft  and  clear  were  the  notes  of  the  voice  that  spoke. 

It  was  I,  sir  !  here  I  am,  at  your's  and  everybody's 
service,  sir  V  said  the  same  voice. 

And  turning.  Old  Harricane  saw  sitting  astride  a  pile 
of  boxes  at  the  corner  store,  a  very  ragged  lad,  some  thir- 
teen years  of  age. 

Good  gracious  thought  Old  Hurricane,  as  he  gazed 
upon  the -boy,  "this  must  be  crown-prince  and  heir-appar- 
ent to  the  '  king  of  shreds  and  patches/  " 


42 


OAPlTOLA. 


^^Well,  old  gent.,  you^ll  know  me  next  time,  that's 

certain  !"  said  the  lad,  returning  the  look  with  interest. 

It  is  probable  Old  Hurricane  did  not  hear  this  irreve- 
rent speech,  for  he  continued  to  gaze  with  pity  and  dismay 
upon  the  ragamuffin  before  him.  He  was  a  handsome 
boy,  too,  notwithstanding  the  deplorable  state  of  his  ward- 
robe. Thick,  clustering  curls  of  jet  black  hair  fell  in  tan- 
gled disorder  around  a  forehead  broad,  white,  and  smooth 
as  that  of  a  girl ;  slender  and  quaintly-arched  black  eye- 
brows played  above  a  pair  of  mischievous,  dark  grey  eyes, 
that  sparkled  beneath  the  shade  of  long,  thick,  black 
lashes  ;  a  little  turned-up  nose,  and  red,  pouting  lips,  com- 
pleted the  character  of  a  countenance  full  of  fun,  frolic, 
spirit,  and  courage. 

Well,  governor,  if  you've  looked  long  enough,  maybe 
you'll  take  me  into  service  said  the  lad,  winking  to  a 
group  of  his  fellow  newsboys  that  had  gathered  at  the 
corner. 

Dear  !  dear  !  dear  !  he  looks  as  if  he  had  never  in  his 
life  seen  soap  and  water  or  a  suit  of  whole  clothes  V  ejacu- 
lated the  old  gentleman  ;  adding,  kindly, — Yes,  I  reckon 
I  will  give  you  the  job,  my  son 

His  son!  Oh,  crickey,  do  you  hear  that,  fellows? 
His  son  I  Oh,  Lor' !  my  governor's  turned  up  at  last. 
I'm  his  son  !  oh,  gemini !  But  what  did  I  tell  you  ?  I 
always  had  a  sort  of  impression  that  I  fnust  have  had  a 
father  in  some  former  period  of  my  life  ;  and,  behold,  here 
he  is  !  Who  knows  but  I  might  have  had  a  mother  also  ? 
But  that  isn't  likely.  Still,  I'll  ask  him  : — How's  the  old 
woman,  sir  ?"  said  the  news-boy,  jumping  off  the  boxes 
and  taking  the  carpet  bag  in  his  hand. 

What  are  you  talking  about,  you  infatuated  tatter- 
demalion ?  Come  along  !  If  it  weren't  for  pity,  I'd  have 
you  put  in  the  pillory  !"  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane,  shaking 
his  cane  at  the  offender. 


CAPITOLA. 


43 


Thanky,  sir !    I  have  not  had  a  pillow  under  my 
bead  for  a  long  time  V 
Silence^  ragamuffin 

Just  so,  sir  !  ^a  dumb  devil  is  better  than  a  talking 
one      answered  the  lad,  demurely,  following  his  employer. 

They  went  on  some  distance.  Old  Hurricane  diligently 
reading  the  names  of  the  streets  at  the  corners.  Pre- 
sently, he  stopped  again,  bewildered,  and  after  gazing 
around  himself  for  a  few  minutes,  said  : 

Boy  r 

Yes,  sir  V 

"  Do  you  know  such  a  place  as  Eag  Alley,  in  Manillo 
street  r 

Eag  Alley,  sir 

Yes  ;  a  sort  of  narrow,  dark,  musty  place,  with  a  row 
of  old,  tumble-down  tenements  each  side,  where  poor 
wretches  live  all  huddled  up  together,  fifty  in  a  house,  eh  ? 
— I  was  told  I  couldn^t  drive  up  it  in  a  carriage,  so  I  had 
to  walk  !    Do  you  know  such  a  place  ?" 

"Do  /  know  such  a  place  !  Do  /  know  Eag  Alley  ? — 
oh,  my  eye  !    Oh,  he  !  he  !  he  I" 

"What  are  you  laughing  at  7iozu,  you  miscellaneous 
assortment  of  variegated  pieces  P' 

"  Oh  !  oh,  dear  !  I  was  laughing  to  think  how  well  I 
knew  Eag  Alley. 

"  Humph  !  you  do  look  as  if  you  were  born  and  bred 
there. 

"But,  sir,  I  wasn't. 

"  Humph  !  how  did  you  get  into  life,  then 

"  I  don't  know,  governor,  unless  I  was  raked  up  from  a 
gutter  by  some  old  woman  in  the  rag-picking  line,"  said 
the  newsboy,  demurely. 

"  Humph  !  I  think  that  quite  likely.  But  now,  do 
you  say  that  you  know  where  that  alley  is  ?" 

"  Oh,  don't  set  me  oft  again  I"  Oh,  he,  he,  he  I — yes, 
iir,  I  know/' 


44 


CAPITOLA. 


"  Well,  tlien,  show  me  the  way,  and  don't  be  a  fooV 

"  rd  scorn  to  be  it,  sir.  This  is  the  way,""  said  the  lad, 
taking  the  lead. 

They  walked  on  several  squares,  and  then  the  boy 
stopped,  and  pointing  down  a  cross-street,  said  : 

"  There,  governor,  there  you  are 

"  There  !    Where  ?   Why,  that's  a  handsome  street 
said  Old  Hurricane,  gazing  up  in  admiration  at  the  oppo- 
site blocks  of  stately  brown  stone  mansions. 

That's  it,  hows'ever.  That's  Eag  Alley.  'Taint 
called  Kag  Alley  now,  though  !  It's  called  Hifalutin  Ter- 
race !  Them  tenements  you  talk  of  were  pulled  down 
more'n  a  year  ago,  and  these  houses  put  up  in  their  place," 
said  the  newsboy. 

Dear !  dear  !  dear  !  what  changes  !  And  what 
became  of  the  poor  tenants  ?"  asked  Old  Hurricane,  gazing 
in  dismay  at  the  inroads  of  improvements. 

The  tenants  ? — poor  wretches  !  How  do  I  know  ? 
Carted  away,  blown  away,  thrown  away — with  the  other 
rubbish — What  became  of  the  tenants  9 

*  Ask  of  the  winds  that  far  around 
"With  fragments  strewed  the  sea'-ty  1 

I  heard  that  spouted  at  a  school  exhibition  once,  gov- 
ernor," said  the  boy,  demurely. 

"Humph  !  well,  well,  the  trace  is  lost !  What  shall  I 
do  ? — put  advertisements  in  all  the  daily  papers, — apply 
at  the  chief  police  office.  Yes.  I'll  do  botJi,"  muttered 
Old  Hurricane,  to  himself.  Then,  speaking  out,  he 
called  : 

'^Boy  I" 

"Yes,  sir. 

"  Call  me  a  coach.'* 

"  Yes,  sir."  And  the  lad  was  off  like  an  arrow  to  do 
his  bidding. 

In  a  few  moments  the  co^h  i:ove  up.    The  newsboy. 


OAPITOLA. 


45 


that  was  sitting  beside  the  driver,  jumped  down,  and 
said  : 

Here  it  is,  sir/' 

Thank  you,  my  son.  Here  is  your  fee,^^  said  Old 
Hurricane,  putting  a  silver  dollar  into  the  lad^s  hand. 

"  What  !  Lor'  !  It  can't  he  !  but  it  is  !  He  must  have 
made  a  mistake  I  What  if  he  did,  1  don't  care.  Yes,  I  do, 
too,  *  Honor  bright,'  "  exclaimed  the  newsboy,  looking  in 
wonder  and  desire  and  sore  t-emptation  upon  the  largest 
piece  of  money  he  had  ever  touched  in  his  life. 
Governor  !" 

'^Well,  boy,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  with  his  feet  upon 
the  steps  of  the  coach. 

"You've  been  and  done  and  gone  and  give  me  a  whole 
dollar  by  mistake  !" 

"  And  why  should  you  think  it  a  mistake,  you  imper- 
tinent monkey  ?" 

"  Your  honor  didn't  mean  it  I" 

"  Why  not,  you  young  rascal  ? — of  course  I  did.  Take 
it  and  be  off  with  you  !"  said  Old  Hurricane,  beginning  to 
ascend  the  steps. 

"I'm  a  great  mind  to  !"  said  the  newsboy,  still  gazing  on 
the  coin  with  satisfaction  and  desire  ;  "  I'm  a  great  mind 
to  !  but  I  wonH  !   'Taint  fair. — Governor,  I  say  !" 

"  What  now,  you  troublesome  fellow  ?" 

"  Do  stop  a  minute  !  Don't  tempt  me  too  hard  !  'cause, 
you  see,  I  aint  sure  I  could  keep  honest,  if  I  was  tempted 
too  hard." 

"What  do  you  mean  now,  you  ridiculous  little  ape  ?" 

"I  mean  I  know  you're  from  the  country,  and  don't 
know  no  better,  and  I  mustn't  impose  upon  your  ignor- 
ance." 

My  ignorance,  you  impudent  villain  !"  exclaimed  the 
old  man,  with  rising  wrath. 

"  Yes,  governor  ;  you  haint  cut  your  eye  teeth  yet  !  you 
•iu^  up  to  snuff  I  you  don^t  know  nothing  I    Why,  this  is 


46 


CAPITOLA. 


too  much  for  toting  a  carpet-bag  a  half  a  dozen  squares  ! 
and  it's  very  well  you  fell  in  with  a  honest  lad  like  me,  tha 
wouldn't  impose  on  your  innocence  !    Bless  you,  the  usua. 
price  isn't  more'n  a  dime,  or  if  you're  rich  and  generous,  a 

shilling,  but  " 

What  the  deuce  do  I  care  for  the  usual  price,  you — 
you  —  you  perfect  prodigy  of  patches!  —  there,  for  the 
Lord's  sake,  go  get  yourself  a  decent  suit  of  clothes. 
Drive  on,  coachman  !"  roared  Old  Hurricane,  flinging  an 
eagle  upon  the  sidewalk,  and  rolling  oif  in  his  cab. 

"  Poor,  dear,  old  gentleman  !  I  wonder  where  his 
heeper  is  ?  How  could  he  have  got  loose  9  Maybe  I'd 
better  go  and  tell  the  police  !  But  then  I  don't  know  who 
he  is,  or  where  he's  gone.  But  he  is  very  crazy,  and  I'm 
afraid  he'll  fling  away  every  cent  of  his  money  before  his 
friends  can  catch  him  !  I  know  what  I'll  do  !  I'll  go  to 
the  stand  and  watch  for  the  coach  to  come  back,  and  ask 
the  driver  what  he  has  done  with  the  poor,  dear  old  fel- 
low !"  said  the  newsboy,  picking  up  the  gold  coin,  and 
putting  it  into  his  pocket.  And  then  he  started,  but  with 
an  eye  to  business,  singing  out : 

Herald  !  TriehuuQ.  !  J^c^prcss  !  last  account  of  the 
orful  accident — steamer  !  etc.,  etc.,  etc.,"  selling  his  papers 
as  he  went  on  to  the  coach  stand.  He  found  the  coach- 
man already  there.  And  to  his  anxious  inquiries  as  to  the 
sanity  of  the  old  gentleman,  that  Jehu  replied  : 

Oh,  bless  your  soul,  crazy  ?  no  !  no  more'n  you  or  I. 
He's  a  real  nob  !  a  real  Virginian,  F.  F.  V.,  with  money 
like  the  sands  on  the  seashore.  Keep  the  tin,  hid^ — he 
knowed  what  he  was  a-doin'  on." 

Oh  !  it — it  a'most  scares  me  to  have  so  much 
money  !"  exclaimed  the  boy,  half  in  delight,  half  in  dis- 
may ;  '*but  to-night  I'll  have  a  warm  supper,  and  sleep  in 
a  bed  once  more  !  And  to-morrow  a  new  suit  of  clothes  ! 
So  here  goes — 

Hersdd  I — ^a;press-~full  account — the  horrible  mur- 


THE  DiSCOVEKY. 


47 


der — Bell  street/^  etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  crying  his  papers  until 
he  was  out  of  hearing. 

Never  in  his  life  had  the  newsboy  felt  so  prosperous 
and  happy.  ' 


CHAPTEK  V. 

THE  DISCOVEKY. 

"  And  at  the  magistrate's  command 
They  next  undid  the  leathern  band 

That  bound  her  tresses  there, 
And  raised  her  felt  hat  from  her  head, 
And  down  her  slender  form  there  spread 

Black  ringlets  rich  and  rare." 

Old  Hurricane  meanwhile  dined  at  the  public  table  at 
the  Astor,  and  afterwards  went  to  his  room,  to  rest,  smoke 
and  ruminate.  And  he  finished  the  evening  by  supping 
and  retiring  to  bed. 

In  the  morning,  after  an  early  breakfast,  he  wrote  a 
dozen  advertisements,  and  called  a  coach  and  rode  around 
to  leave  them  with  the  various  daily  papers  for  immediate 
publication.  Then,  to  lose  no  time,  he  rode  up  to  the 
Kecorder's  office  to  set  the  police  upon  the  search. 

As  he  was  about  to  enter  the  front  portal,  he  observed 
the  doorway  and  passage  blocked  up  with  even  a  larger 
crowd  than  usual. 

And  seeing  the  coachman  who  had  waited  upon  him  the 
previous  day,  he  inquired  of  him — 
What  is  the  matter  here  ?' 

Nothing,  your  honor,  'cept  a  boy  tuk  up  for  wearing 
girls'  clothes,  or  a  girl  took  up  for  wearing  boys',  I  dunno 
which,''  said  the  man  touching  his  hat. 

Let  me  pass,  then,  I  must  speak  to  the  chief  of 


48 


THE  DiSCOVfiKY. 


police/'  said  Old  Hurricane,  shoving  his  way  into  the 
Eecorder's  room. 

This  is  not  the  ofi&ce  of  the  chief,  sir  ;  you  will  find 
him  on  the  other  side  of  the  hall/'  said  a  by-stander. 

But  before  Old  Hurricane  had  gathered  the  sense  of 
these  words,  a  sight  within  the  office  drew  his  steps 
thither.  Up  before  the  Kecorder  stood  a  lad  of  about 
thirteen  years,  who,  despite  his  smart  new  suit  of  gray  cas- 
inefc,  his  long  rolling  black  ringlets,  and  his  downcast  and 
blushing  face,  Old  Hurricane  immediately  recognized  as 
his  acquaintance  of  the  preceding  day,  the  saucy  young 
tatterdemalion. 

Feeling  sorry  for  the  friendless  boy,  the  old  man  impul- 
sively went  up  to  him  and  patted  him  on  the  shoulder,  say 
ing: 

What !  in  trouble,  my  lad  ?  never  mind — never  look 
down  I  I'll  warrant  ye  an  honesfc  lad  from  what  I've  seen 
myself  !  Come,  come  !  pluck  up  a  spirit !  I'll  see  you 
through,  my  lad  1" 

*  Lad!  Lord  bless  your  soul,  sir,  he's  no  more  a  lad 
than  you  or  I.  The  young  rascal  is  a  girl  in  boy's  clothes, 
sir  !"  said  the  officer  who  had  the  culprit  in  custody. 

What — what — what!"  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane, 
gazing  in  consternation  from  the  young  prisoner  to  the 
accuser ;  what — what !  my  newsboy,  my  saucy  little  prince 
of  patches,  a  girl  in  boy's  clothes  ! ! ! " 

Yes,  sir — a  young  scoundrel  I  I  actually  twigged  him 
selling  papers  at  the  Fulton  Ferry  this  morning  !  A  little 
rascal !" 

"A  girl  in  boy's  clothes!   A  exclaimed  Old 

Hurricane,  with  his  eyes  nearly  starting  out  of  his  head. 

Just  then  the  young  culprit  looked  up  in  his  face  with 
an  expression  half  melancholy,  half  mischievous,  that 
appealed  to  the  rugged  heart  of  the  old  man.  Turning 
around  to  the  policeman,  he  startled  the  whole  office  by 
roaring  out : 


THE  DISCOVERY. 


49 


Girl  is  she,  sir  ? — then,  demmy,  sir !  whether  a  girl 
in  loy's  clothes,  or  men^s  clothes,  or  soldier^s  clothes,  or 
sailor*s  clothers,  or,  any  clothes,  or  no  clothes,  sir !  treat 
her  with  the  delicacy  due  to  womarihoodi,  sir  !  aye,  and  the 
tenderness  owed  to  cMldhoodi  !  for  she  is  but  a  bit  of  a  poor, 
friendless,  motherless,  fatherless  cliild,  lost  and  wandering 
in  your  great  Babylon  !  No  more  hard  words  to  her,  sir — 
or  by  the  everlasting— — " 

Order, put  in  the  calm  and  dignified  Recorder. 
Old  Hurricane,  though  his  face  was  still  purple,  his 
veins  swollen  and  his  eyeballs  glaring  with  anger,  imme- 
diately recovered  himself,  turned  and  bowed  to  the  Recorder 
and  said : 

Yes,  sir,  I  will  keep  order,  if  you'll  make  that  brute  of 
a  policeman  reform  his  language." 

And  so  saying,  Old  Hurricane  subsided  into  a  seat, 
immediately  behind  the  child,  to  watch  the  examination. 

What'll  they  do  with  her,  do  you  think  ?"  he  inquired 
of  a  by-stander. 

"  Send  her  up,  in  course.^' 

"  C5?f— where  ?" 
To  Blackwell's  Island — to  the  work'us,  in  course." 

"To  the  ^^or^-house — Tier,  that  child  9 — the  wretches  I 
IJm-m-m-me  !  Oh-h-h-h  groaned  Old  Hurricane,  stoop- 
ing and  burying  his  shaggy,  gray  head  in  his  great  hands. 

He  felt  his  shoulder  touched,  and  looking  up  saw  that 
the  little  prisoner  had  turned  around,  and  was  about  to 
speak  to  him. 

Governor,"  said  the  same  clear  voice  that  he  had  even 
at  first  supposed  to  belong  to  a  girl — "  Governor,  don't  you 
keep  on  letting  out  that  way  !  You  don't  know  nothing  ! 
You're  in  the  Recorder's  Court  !  If  you  don't  mind  your 
eye,  they'll  commit  you  for  contempt !" 

"  Will  they  ?  Then  they'll  do  well,  lad  I  lass,  I  mean, 
I  plead  guilty  to  contempt.  Send  a  child  like  you  to 
the  1   They  shan't  do  it!   Simply,  they  shan't  do  it! 


60 


THE  DISOOVEKY. 


I — Major  Warfield,  of  Virginia — tell  you  so,  my  boy — girl, 
I  mean  V* 

"  But,  you  innocent  old  lion,  instead  of  freeing  me, 
jovi'W  ^ndi  yourself  ^Irai  up  between  four  walls,  and  very 
narrow  ones  at  that,  /  tell  you  !  You^ll  think  yourself  in 
a  coffin  !  Governor,  they  call  it — The  Tomhs  I"  whispered 
the  child. 

Attention  \"  said  the  clerk. 

The  little  prisoner  turned  and  faced  the  court.  And 
the  '^^old  lion  "  buried  his  shaggy,  gray  head  and  beard  in 
his  hands,  and  groaned  aloud. 

^^'Now,  then,  what  is  your  name,  my  lad — my  girl,  I 
should  say  ?"  inquired  the  clerk. 

**Capitola,  sir.-'' 

Old  Hurricane  pricked  up  his  ears  and  raised  his  head, 
muttering  to  himself — Cajo-it-o-la !  That's  a  very  odd 
name.  Can't  surely  be  two  in  the  world  of  the  same. 
Cap-it-o-la  ! — if  it  should  be  my  Oapitola,  after  all  ?  I 
shouldn't  wonder  at  all !  I'll  listen,  and  say  nothing." 
And  with  this  wise  resolution  Old  Hurricane  again 
dropped  his  head  upon  his  hands. 

^'^You  say  your  name  is  Oapitola — Oapitola  what?'^ 
inquired  the  clerk,  continuing  the  examination. 
Nothing,  sir." 
^'  Nothing  !    What  do  you  mean  V 
^'  I  have  no  name  but  Oapitola,  sir!" 
^'Who  is  your  father  ?" 

Never  had  any  that  I  know,  sir." 
"  Your  mother  ?" 
Never  had  a  mother  either,  sir,  as  ever  I  heard/' 
Where  do  you  live?" 
About  in  spots,  in  the  city,  sir." 
''Oh  —  oh  —  oh!"  groaned  Old  Hurricane  within  his 
hands. 

"  What  is  your  calling  ?"  inquired  the  clerk. 

"  Selling  newspapers,  carrying  portmanteaus  and  pack- 


THE  DISCOVERT.  51 

ages,  sweeping  before  doors,  clearing  off  snow,  blacking 
boots,  and  so  on." 

"  Little  odd  jobs  in  general,  eli 
Yes,  sir,  anything  that  I  can  turn  my  hand  to,  and 
get  to  do/' 

Boy — girl  I  should  say — what  tempted  you  to  put 
yourself  into  male  attire 
^^Sir  r 

"  In  boy's  clothes,  then 't" 

Oh,  yes — luant,  sir — and — and  danger,  sir/'  cried  the 
little  prisoner^  putting  her  hands  to  a  face  crimson  with 
blushes,  and  for  the  first  time  since  her  arrest  upon  the 
eye  of  sobbing. 

Oil  —  oil  —  oil  r   groaned  Old  Hurricane  from  his 

chair. 

Want  ?    Danger  I    How  is  that       continued  the 

clerk. 

Your  honor  mio^htn't  like  to  know."" 
By  all  means.    It  is^  in  fact,  necessary  that  you 
should  give  an  account  of  yourself,''  said  the  clerk. 

Old  Hurricane  once  more  raised  his  head,  opened  his 
ears,  and  gave  close  attention. 

One  circumstance  he  had  particularly  remarked — the 
language  used  by  the  poor  child  during  her  examination 
was   much    superior  to  the  slang  she   bad  previously 
.    affected,  to  support  her  assumed  character  of  newsboy. 

'^^Well,  well — why  do  you  pause  ?  Goon — go  on  my 
good  boy — girl  I  mean,''  said  the  Recorder,  in  a  tone  of 
kind  encouragement. 


59 


▲  SHORT,  SAD  6T0RT. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

A  SHORT,  SAD  STORY. 

"Ah  1  poverty  is  a  weary  thing, 
It  burdeneth  the  brain. 
It  maketh  even  the  little  child 
To  murmur  and  complain." 

"  It  is  not  much  I  have  to  tell/'  began  Capitola.  "I 
was  brought  up  in  Rag  Alley  and  its  neighborhood,  by  an 
old  woman  named  Nancy  Grewell/' 

"  Ah  V  ejaculated  Old  Hurricane. 

"  She  was  a  washerwoman,  and  rented  one  scantily-fur- 
nished room  from  a  poor  family  named  Simmons.*' 
Oh  V  cried  Old  Hurricane. 

Granny,  as  I  called  her,  was  very  good  to  me,  and  I 
never  suffered  cold,  nor  hunger,  until  about  eighteen 
months  ago,  when  Granny  took  it  into  her  head  to  go  down 
to  Virginia.'' 

Humph  I"  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane. 

"  When  Granny  went  away,  she  left  me  a  little  money 
and  some  good  clothes,  and  told  me  to  be  sure  to  stay  with 
the  people  where  she  left  me,  for  that  she  would  be  back  in 
about  a  month.  But,  your  honor,  that  was  the  very  last  I 
ever  saw  or  heard  of  poor  Granny.  She  never  came  back 
again ;  and  by  that  I  know  she  must  have  died." 
Ah-h-h  V  breathed  the  old  man,  puffing  fast. 

"  The  first  month  or  two  after  Granny  left,  I  did  well 
enough.  And  then,  when  the  little  money  was  all  gone,  I 
eat  with  the  Simmons's,  and  did  little  odd  jobs  for  my  food. 
But  by  and  by  Mr.  Simmons  got  out  of  work,  and  the 
family  fell  into  want,  and  they  wished  me  to  go  out  and  beg 


A  SHORT,   SAD  STORY. 


53 


for  tliem.  /  just  couldnH  do  that ;  and  so  they  told  me  I 
should  look  out  for  myself/^ 

"  Were  there  no  customers  of  your  grandmother  that 
you  could  have  applied  to  for  employment  asked  the 
Kecorder. 

"  No,  sir.  My  Granny's  customers  were  mostly  board- 
ers at  the  small  taverns,  and  they  were  always  changing.  I 
did  apply  to  too  or  three  houses  where  the  landladies  knew 
Granny  ;  but  they  didn''t  want  me/^ 

Oli-h-li !  ^'  groaned  Major  Warfield,  in  the  tone  of  one 
in  great  pain. 

I  wouldn't  have  that  old  fellow's  conscience  for  a  good 
deal/'  whispered  a  spectator,  "for,  as  sure  as  shooting,  that 
gal's  his  unlawful  child." 

"  Well— go  on.    What  next  ?"  asked  the  clerk. 

"  Well,  sir,  though  the  Simmons's  had  nothing  to  give 
me  except  a  crust  now  and  then,  they  still  let  me  sleep  in 
the  house,  for  the  little  jobs  I  could  do  for  them.  But  at 
last  Simmons  got  work  on  the  railroad  a  way  off  some- 
where, and  they  all  moved  away  from  the  city." 

"And  you  were  left  alone  ?" 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  was  left  alone  in  the  empty,  unfurnished 
house.  Still  it  was  a  shelter,  and  I  was  glad  of  it,  and  I 
dreaded  the  time  when  it  would  be  rented  by  another  ten- 
ant, and  I  should  be  turned  into  the  street." 

"  Oh  !  oh  !  oh.  Lord!"  groaned  the  major. 

"  But  it  was  never  rented  again  ;  for  the  word  went 
around  that  the  whole  row  was  to  be  pulled  down  ;  and  so 
I  thought  I  had  leave  to  stay,  at  least  as  long  as  the  rats 
did,"  continued  Capitola,  with  somewhat  of  her  natural 
rougish  humor  twinkling  in  her  dark,  gray  eyes. 

"  But  how  did  you  get  your  bread  ?"  inquired  the 
Kecorder. 

"  Did  not  get  it  at  all,  sir.  Bread  was  too  dear  !  I 
sold  my  clothes,  piece  by  piece,  to  the  old  man,  over  the 
way,  and  bought  corn  meal,  and  picked  up  trash  t©  ina,ke 


54 


A  SHORT,  SAD  STORY. 


a  fire,  and  cooked  a  little  mush  every  day  in  an  old  tin  can 
that  had  been  left  behind.  And  so  I  lived  on  for  two  or 
three  weeks.  And  then  when  my  clothes  were  all  gone — 
except  the  suit  I  had  upon  my  back — and  my  meal  was 
almost  out_,  instead  of  making  mush  every  day  I  econo- 
mized, and  made  gruel" 

"  But  my  hoy— my  good  girl,  I  mean — before  you 
became  so  destitute,  you  should  have  found  something  or 
other  to  do/'  said  the  Eecorder. 

Sir,  I  was  trying  to  get  jobs  every  hour  in  the  day. 
I'd  have  done  anything  honest.  I  went  around  to  all  the 
houses  Granny  knew,  but  they  didn't  want  a  girl.  Some 
of  the  good-natured  landlords  said,  if  I  was  a  doy  now, 
they  could  keep  me  opening  oysters,  but  as  I  was  a  girl, 
they  had  no  work  for  me.  I  even  went  to  the  offices  to  get 
papers  to  sell,  but  they  told  me  that  crying  papers  was  not 
j^roper  work  for  a  girl.  I  even  went  down  to  tlie  ferry- 
boats and  watched  for  the  passengers  coming  ashore,  and 
ran  and  offered  to  carry  their  carpet-bags  or  portmanteaus ; 
but  some  growled  at  me,  and  others  laughed  at  me,  and 
one  old  gentleman  asked  me  if  I  thought  he  was  a  North 
American  Indian,  to  strut  up  Broadway  with  a  female 
behind  him  carrying  his  pack.  And  so,  sir,  while  all  the 
ragged  boys  I  knew  could  get  little  jobs  to  earn  bread,  I, 
because  I  was  a  girl,  was  not  allowed  to  carry  a  gentleman^s 
j)arcel,  or  black  his  boots,  or  shovel  the  snow  off  a  shop- 
keeper's pavement,  or  put  in  coal,  or  do  a^iything  that  / 
could  do  just  as  well  as  they.  And  so  because  I  was  a 
girl,  there  seemed  to  be  nothing  but  starvation  or  beggary 
before  me.''' 

Oh,  Lord  !  oh.  Lord  !  that  such  things  should  be  V 
cried  Old  Hurricane. 

^'^That  was  bad,  sir!  but  there  was  ivorse  behind! 
There  came  a  day  when  my  meal — even  the  last  dust  of  it, 
was  gone  !  Then  I  kept  life  in  me  by  drinking  water,  and 
by  sleeping  all  I  could.    At  first  I  could  not  sleep  for  the 


A  SHORT,  SAD  STORY. 


65 


gnawing — gnawing — in  my  stomach. ;  but  afterwards  I 
slept  deeply,  from  exhaustion,  and  then  Fd  dream  of  feasts 
and  the  richest  sort  of  food,  and  of  eating  such  quantities  ! 
and  really,  sir,  I  seemed  to  taste  it  and  enjoy  it  and  get 
the  good  of  it — almost  as  much  as  if  it  was  all  true  !  One 
morning  after  such  a  dream  I  was  waked  up  by  a  great 
noise^  outside.  I  staggered  upon  my  feet  and  crept  to  the 
window !  and  there,  sir,  were  the  workmen  all  outside,  a 
pulling  down  the  house  over  my  head  V 

"  Good  Heaven  V'  ejaculated  old  Hurricane,  who 
seemed  to  constitute  himself  the  chorus  of  this  drama. 

^'  Sir^  they  didn't  know  that  I  or  any  one  was  in  the 
empty  house  !  Fright  gave  me  strength  to  run  down  stairs 
and  run  out.  Then  I  stopped.  Oh !  I  stopped  and 
looked  up  and  down  the  street  !  What  should  I  do  : 
The  last  shelter  was  gone  away  from  me  ! — the  house 
where  I  had  lived  so  many  years  and  that  seemed  like  a 
friend  to  me,  was  falling  before  my  eyes  !  I  thought  Fd 
just  go  and  pitch  myself  into  the  river,  and  end  it  all  \" 

"  That  was  a  very  wicked  thought,^'  said  the  Recorder. 

''•Yes,  sir,  I  know  it  was  ;  and  besides,  I  was  dread- 
fully afraid  of  being  suffocated  in  the  dirty  water  around 
the  wharf  I  I  V  said  Capitola,  with  a  sparkle  of  that  irre- 
pressible humor  that  effervesced  even  through  all  her 
trouble.  "  Well,  sir,  the  hand  that  feeds  young  ravens 
kept  me  from  dying  that  day.  I  found  a  five-cent  piece  in 
the  street,  and  resolved  ]iot  to  smother  myself  in  the  river 
mud  as  long  as  it  lasted.  So  I  bought  a  muffin,  ate  it, 
and  went  down  to  the  wharf  to  look  for  a  job.  I  looked 
ail  day,  but  found  none^  and  when  night  came  I  went  into 
a  lumber-yard  and  hid  myself  behind  a  pile  of  planks  that 
kept  the  wind  off  me,  and  I  went  to  sleep  and  dreamed  a 
beautiful  dream  of  living  in  a  handsome  house,  with 
friends  all  around  me,  and  everything  good  to  eat,  and 
drink,  and  wear  \" 


A  SEOEt,  SAl)  fitOBf . 


Poor,  poor  child ;  but  your  dream  may  come  true 
yet  V  muttered  Old  Hurricane  to  himself. 

"  Well,  your  Honor,  next  day  I  spent  another  penny 
out  of  my  half-dime,  and  looked  in  vain  for  work  all  day, 
and  slept  at  night  in  a  broken-down  omnibus  that  had 
happened  to  be  left  on  the  stand.  And  so,  not  to  tire  your 
patience,  a  whole  week  passed  away.  I  lived  on  my  half- 
dime,  spending  a  penny  a  day  for  a  muffin,  until  the  last 
penny  was  gone,  and  sleeping  at  night  wherever  I  could — 
sometimes  under  the  front  stoop  of  a  house,  sometimes  in 
an  old  broken  carriage,  and  sometimes  behind  a  pile  of 
boxes  on  the  sidewalk!" 

That  was  a  dreadful  exposure  for  a  young  girl,"  said 
the  Recorder. 

A  burning  blush  flamed  up  over  the  young  creature^s 
cheek,  as  she  answered  : 

"  Yes,  sir,  that  was  the  worst  of  all ;  that  finally  drove 
me  to  putting  on  boy^s  clothes." 
Let  us  hear  all  about  it." 

Oh,  sir — I  can't — I — how  can  I  ?  Well,  being  always 
exposed,  sleeping  out-doors,  I  was  often  in  danger  from 
bad  boys  and  bad  men,"  said  Capitola,  and  dropping  her 
head  upon  her  breast,  and  covering  her  crimson  cheeks 
with  her  hands,  for  the  first  time  she  burst  into  tears  and 
sobbed  aloud. 

"Come,  come,  my  little  man! — my  good  little  woman, 
I  mean — don't  take  it  so  to  heart!  You  couldn't  help  it!" 
said  Old  Hurricane,  with  raindrops  glittering  even  in  his 
own  stormy  eyes. 

Capitola  looked  up  with  her  whole  countenance  flashing 
with  spirit,  and  exclaimed,  "Oh!  but  I  took  care  of 
myself,  sir!  I  did,  indeed,  your  Honor!  You  mustn't, 
either  you  or  the  old  gentleman,  dare  to  think  but  what  I 
did." 

"Oh,  of  course!  of  course!"  said  a  bystander,  laugh- 
ing. 


A.  SHORT,  SAD  STOEY. 


57 


Old  Hurricane  sprung  up,  bringing  his  feet  down  upon 
the  floor  with  a  resound  that  made  the  great  hall  ring 
again,  exclaiming  : 

'^"What  do  you  mean  by  'of  course/  'of  course/  you 
villain  ?  Demmy !  FU  swear  she  took  care  of  herself, 
you  varlet ;  and  if  any  man  dares  to  hint  otherwise,  I'll 
ram  his  falsehood  down  his  throat  with  the  point  of  my 
walking-stick,  and  make  him  swallow  both  1'' 

^'  Order,  order    said  the  clerk. 

Old  Hurricane  immediately  wheeled  to  the  right-abOat, 
faced  and  saluted  the  bench  in  military  fashion,  and  then 
said  : 

''  Yes,  sir  !  Fll  regard  order  I  but,  in  the  meanwhile, 
if  the  court  does  not  protect  this  child  from  insult,  I  must, 
order  or  no  order  and  with  that  the  old  gentleman  once 
more  subsided  into  his  seat. 

"  Governor,  don't  you  be  so  noisy  !  You'll  get  yourself 
stopped  up  into  a  jug  next !  Why,  you  remind  me  of  an 
uproarious  old  fellow  poor  Granny  used  to  talk  about,  that 
they  called  Old  Hurricane,  because  he  was  so  stormy  V 
whispered  Capitola,  turning  towards  him. 

''Humph  !  she's  heard  of  we,  then  \"  muttered  the  old 
gentleman,  to  himself. 

"  Well,  sir — I  mean  Miss — go  on  V  said  the  clerk, 
addressing  Capitola. 

"  Yes,  sir.  Well,  your  Honor,  at  the  end  of  five  days, 
being  a  certain  Thursday  morning,  when  I  couldn't  get  a 
job  of  work  for  love  nor  money,  when  my  last  penny  was 
spent  for  my  last  roll — and  my  last  roll  was  eaten  up — and 
I  was  dreading  the  gnawing  hunger  by  day,  and  the  horrid 
perils  of  the  night,  I  thought  to  myself  if  I  were  only  a 
hoy,  I  might  carry  packages,  and  shovel  in  coal,  and  do 
lots  of  jobs  by  day,  and  sleep  without  terror  by  night ! 
And  then  I  felt  bitter  against  fate  for  not  making  me  a 
boy  I  And  so  thinking  and  thinking  and  thinking,  I 
wandered  on  until  I  found  myself  in  Rag  Alley,  where  I 


68 


A  SHORT,  SAD  STORT. 


used  to  live,  standing  right  between  the  pile  of  broken  bricks, 
plaster,  and  lumber,  that  used  to  be  my  home,  and  the  old 
pawnbroker's  shop  where  I  sold  my  clothes  for  meal.  And 
then,  all  of  a  sudden,  a  bright  thought  struck  me  :  and  1 
made  up  my  mind  to  he  a  hoy  /" 

*^  Made  up  your  mind  to  be  a  boy  \" 
Yes,  sir  I  for  it  was  so  easy  !  I  wondered  how  I  came 
to  be  so  stupid  as  not  to  have  thought  of  it  before  !  I  just 
ran  across  to  the  old  shop,  and  offered  to  swap  my  suit  of 
girFs  clothes,  that  was  good,  though  dirty,  for  any,  even 
the  raggedest  suit  of  boy's  clothes  he  had,  whether  they'd 
fit  me  or  not,  so  they  would  only  stay  on  me.  The  old 
fellow  put  his  finger  to  his  nose,  as  if  he  thought  Fd  been 
stealing  and  wanted  to  dodge  the  police.  So  he  took  down 
an  old,  not  very  ragged,  suit  that  he  said  would  fit  me,  and 
opened  a  door,  and  told  me  to  go  in  his  daughter's  room 
and  put  'em  on." 

"  Well  !  not  to  tire  your  honors,  I  went  into  that  lit- 
tle back  parlor  a  girl,  and  I  came  out  a  hoy,  with  a  suit  of 
pants  and  jacket,  with  my  hair  cut  short  and  a  cap  on  my 
head  !  The  pawnbroker  gave  me  a  penny  roll  and  a  six- 
pence for  my  black  ringlets." 

All  seemed  grist  that  came  to  his  mill  !"  said  Old 
Hurricane. 

**Yes,  Governor,  he  was  a  dealer  in  general.  Well,  the 
first  thing  I  did  was  to  hire  myself  to  him,  at  a  sixpence  a 
day,  and  find  myself,  to  shovel  in  his  coal.  That  didn't 
take  me  but  a  day.  So  at  night  he  paid  me,  and  I  slept  in 
peace  behind  a  stack  of  boxes.  Next  morning  I  was  up 
before  the  sun,  and  down  to  the  office  of  the  little  penny 
paper,  the  '  Morning  Star.'  I  bought  two  dozen  of  'em, 
and  ran  as  fast  as  I  could  to  the  ferry-boats  to  sell  to  the 
early  passengers.  Well,  sir,  in  an  hour's  time  I  had  sold 
out,  and  pocketed  just  two  shillings,  and  felt  myself  on  the 
high  road  to  fortune  V* 


MTiJilOSPHOSIS   OF  HSWSBOY. 


§9 


'''And  so  that  was  the  way  by  which  you  came  to  put 
yourself  in  male  attire 

Yes,  sir  I  and  tlie  only  thing  that  made  me  feel  sorry, 
'was  to  see  what  a  fool  I  had  been,  not  to  turn  to  a  boy 
before,  when  it  was  so  easy !  And  from  that  day  forth  I 
was  happy  and  prosperous  !  I  found  plenty  to  do  ?  I  car- 
ried carjoet-bags,  held  horses,  put  in  coal,  cleaned  side- 
walks, blacked  gentlemen^s  boots,  and  did  everything  an 
honest  Lad  could  turn  his  hand  to!  And  so  for  moreen  a 
year  I  was  as  happy  as  a  king,  and  should  have  kept  on  so, 
only  I  forgot  and  let  my  hair  grow,  and  instead  of  cutting 
it  off,  just  tucked  it  up  under  my  cap ;  and  so  this  morn- 
ing, on  the  ferry-boat,  in  a  high  breeze,  the  icincl  Uoiued 
off  my  cap  and  the  policeman  hloioed  on  me  I" 

'Twasn^t  altogether  her  long  hair,  your  honor  ;  for  I 
had  seen  her  before,  having  known  her  when  she  lived 
with  old  Mrs.  Grewell,  in  Eag  Alley, ■'^  interrupted  the 
officer. 

You  may  sit  down,  my  child,"  said  the  Recorder,  in  a 
tone  of  encouragement. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

MWAMORPHOSIS  OF  THE  NEWS-BOY. 

"With  caution  judge  of  probability. 

Things  deemed  unlikely,  e'en  impossible, 

Experience  oft  hath  proved  to  be  true. — Shakespeare. 

What  shall  we  do  with  her  inquired  the  Recorder, 
sotto  voce,  of  a  brother  magistrate  who  appeared  to  be 
associated  with  him  on  the  bench. 

''Send  her  to  the  Refuge,"  replied  the  other,  in  the 
same  tone. 


60 


METAMORPHOSIS   OF  THE  NEWSBOY. 


"  What  are  they  consulting  about  asked  Old  Hurri- 
cane^ whose  ears  were  not  of  the  best. 

They  are  talking  of  sending  her  to  the  Kefuge," 
answered  a  by-stander. 

Kefuge  ?  Is  there  a  Refuge  for  destitute  children  in 
New  York.  Then  Babylon  is  not  so  bad  as  I  thought  it. 
What  is  this  Kefuge  ^ 

"  It  is  a  prison  where  juvenile  delinquents  are  trained 
to  habits  of — " 

A  prison  !  send  her  to  a  prison  !  never  V  burst  forth 
Old  Hurricane,  rising  and  marching  up  to  the  Recorder. 
He  stood  hat  in  hand  before  him,  and  said  : 

Your  Honor,  if  a  proper  legal  guardian  appears  to 
claim  this  young  person,  and  holds  himself  in  all  respeo^bs 
responsible  for  her,  may  she  not  be  at  once  delivered  into 
his  hands  r 

"Assuredly,"  answered  the  magistrate,  with  the  man- 
ner of  one  glad  to  be  rid  of  the  charge. 

''Then,  sir,  I,  Ira  Warfield,  of  Hurricalie  Hall,  in 
Virginia,  present  myself  as  the  guardian  of  this  girl,  Capi- 
tola  Black,  whom  I  claim  as  my  ward.  And  I  will  enter 
into  a  recognizance  for  any  sum  to  appear  and  prove  my 
right,  if  it  should  be  disputed.  For  my  personal  responsi- 
bility, sir,  I  refer  you  to  the  proprietors  of  the  Astor,  who 
have  known  me  many  years. 

''  It  is  not  necessary.  Major  Warfield  :  we  assume  the 
fact  of  your  responsibility  and  deliver  up  the  young  girl  to 
your  charge." 

''  I  thank  you,  sir,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  bowing  low. 

Then  hurrying  across  the  room  where  sat  the  reporters 
for  the  press,  he  said  : 

''  Gentlemen,  I  have  a  favor  to  ask  of  you — it  is  that 
you  will  altogether  drop  this  case  of  the  boy  in  girl's  clothes 
— I  mean  the  girl  in  girPs  clothes — I  declare,  I  don't  know 
what  I  mean!  nor  I  shan't,  neither,  until  I  see  the  creature 
in  its  proper  dress  ;  but  this  I  wish  to  request  of  you,  gentle- 


METAMORPHOSIS  OF  THE  NEWSBOY. 


61 


men,  that  you  will  drop  that  item  from  your  report,  or  if 
you  must  mention  it,  treat  it  with  delicacy,  as  the  good 
name  of  a  young  lady  is  involved/^ 

The  reporters,  with  sidelong  glances,  winks,  and  smiles, 
gave  him  the  required  promise,  and  Old  Hurricane  returned 
to  the  side  of  his  protegee, 

"  Capitola,  are  you  willing  to  go  with  me? 
Jolly  willing,  governor/^ 

^'  Then  come  along,  my  coach  is  waiting,^'  said  Old 
Hurricane. 

And,  bowing  to  the  Court,  he  took  the  hand  of  his 
charge,  and  led  her  forth  amid  the  ill-suppressed  jibes  of 
the  crowd. 

There^s  a  hoary-headed  old  sinner!"  said  one. 

She's  as  like  him  as  two  peas,''  quoth  another. 

Wonder  if  there's  any  more  belonging  to  him  of  the 
same  sort,"  inquired  a  third. 

Leaving  all  this  sarcasm  behind  him.  Old  Hurricane 
handed  his  protegee  into  the  coach,  took  the  seat  beside 
her,  and  gave  orders  to  be  driven  out  towards  Harlem. 

As  soon  as  they  were  seated  in  the  coach,  the  old  man 
turned  to  his  charge  and  said  : 

Capitola,  I  shall  have  to  trust  to  your  girl's  wit,  to 
get  yourself  into  your  proper  clothes  again  without  exciting 
farther  notice." 

Yes,  governor." 

My  boy,  girl,  I  mean  1 1  am  not  the  governor  of  Vir- 
ginia, though  if  every  one  had  his  rights  I  don't  know  but 
I  should  be  !  However,  I  am  only  Major  Warfield,"  said 
the  old  man,  naively,  for  he  had  not  the  most  distant  idea 
that  the  title  bestowed  on  him  by  Capitola,  was  a  mere 
remnant  of  her  newsboys'  slang. 

Now,  my  lad — pshaw  !  my  lass,  I  mean,  how  shall  we 
get  you  metamorphosed  again  ?" 

"  I  know,  gov — major,  I  mean.  There  is  a  shop  of 
ready-made  clothing  at  the  *  Needle  Woman's  Aid,'  corner 


of  the  nest  square.    I  can  get  out  there  and  buy  a  full 

Very  well  !  stop  at  the  next  corner,  driver/'  called 
Old  Hurricane. 

The  next  minute  the  coach  drew  up  before  a  warehouse 
of  ready-made  garments. 

Old  Hurricane  jumped  out,  and  leading  his  charge, 
entered  the  shop. 

Luckily,  there  was  behind  the  counter  only  one  per- 
son— a  staid,  elderly,  kind-looking  woman. 

^^Here,  madam,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  stooping  confi- 
dentially to  her  ear — I  am  in  a  little  embarrassment  that 
I  hope  you  will  be  willing  to  help  me  out  of  for  a  conside- 
ration. I  came  to  'New  York  in  pursuit  of  my  ward — this 
young  girl  here,  whom  I  found  in  boy's  clothes.  I  now 
wish  to  restore  her  to  her  proper  dress,  before  presenting 
her  to  my  friends,  of  course.  Therefore,  I  wish  you  to 
furnish  her  with  a  half  a  dozen  complete  suits  of  female 
attire,  of  the  very  best  you  have  that  will  fit  her.  And 
also  to  give  her  the  use  of  a  room  and  of  your  own  aid  in 
changing  her  dress.    I  will  pay  you  liberally." 

Half  suspicious  and  half  scandalized,  the  worthy 
woman  gazed  with  scrutiny  first  into  the  face  of  the  guar- 
dian, and  then  into  that  of  the  ward  ;  but  finding  in  the 
extreme  youth  of  the  one  and  the  advanced  age  of  the 
other,  and  in  the  honest  expression  of  both,  something  to 
allay  her  fears,  if  not  to  inspire  her  confidence,  she  said  : 

''Very  well,  sir.  Come  after  me,  young  gentleman — 
young  lady,  I  should  say.''  And  calling  in  a  boy  to  mind 
the  shop,  slie  conducted  Oapitola  to  an  inner  apartment. 

Old  Hurricane  went  out  and  dismissed  his  coach. 
When  it  was  entirely  out  of  sight,  he  hailed  another  that 
was  passing  by  empty,  and  engaged  it  to  take  himself  and 
a  young  lady  to  the  Washington  House. 

When  he  re-entered  the  shop  he  found  the  shop  woman 
and  Oapitola  returned  and  waiting  for  him. 


METAMORPHOSIS    OF    THE  NEWSBOY. 


63 


Oapitola  was  indeed  transfigured.  Her  bright  black 
hair,  parted  in  the  middle,  fell  in  ringlets  each  side  her 
blushing  cheeks;  her  dark  gray  eyes  were  cast  down  in 
modesty  at  the  very  same  instant  that  her  ripe  red  lips 
were  puckered  up  with  hiischief.  She  was  well  and  prop- 
erly attired  in  a  gray  silk  dress,  crimson  merino  shawl,  and 
a  black  velvet  bonnet. 

The  other  clothing  that  had  been  purchased  was  clone 
up  in  packages  and  put  into  the  coach. 

And  after  paying  the  shopwoman  handsomely.  Old 
Hurricane  took  the  hand  of  his  ward,  handed  her  into  the 
coach,  and  gave  the  order  : 

To  the  Washington  House."" 

The  ride  was  performed  in  silence. 

Oapitola  sat  deeply  blushing  at  the  recollection  of  her 
male  attire,  and  profoundly  cogitating  as  to  what  could  be 
the  relationship  between  herself  and  the  gray  old  man 
whose  claim  the  Recorder  had  so  promptly  admitted. 
There  seemed  but  one  Avay  of  accounting  for  the  great 
interest  he  took  in  her  fate.  Oapitola  came  to  the  con- 
clusion that  the  grim  old  lion  before  her  was  no  more  nor 
less  than — her  own  father  !  poor  Oap.  had  been  too  long 
tossed  about  New  York  not  to  know  more  of  life  than  at 
her  age  she  should  have  known.  She  had  indeed  the  iwio- 
cence  of  youth,  but  not  its  simplicity. 

Old  Hurricane,  on  his  part,  sat  with  his  thick  cane 
grasped  in  his  two  knobby  hands,  standing  between  his 
knees,  his  grizzled  chin  resting  upon  it,  and  his  eyes  cast 
down  as  in  deep  thought. 

And  so  in  silence  they  reached  the  Washington  House. 

Major  Warfield  then  conducted  his  ward  into  the  ladies' 
parlor,  and  went  and  entered  his  own  and  her  name  upon 
the  books  as  Major  Warfield  and  his  ward  Miss  Black," 
for  whom  he  engaged  two  bedrooms  and  a  private  parlor. 

Then  leaving  Oapitola  to  be  shown  to  her  apartment  by 


64 


METAMORPHOSIS   OF   THE  NEWSBOY. 


a  chambermaid,  he  went  out  and  ordered  her  luggage  up  to 
her  room,  and  dismissed  the  coach. 

Next  he  walked  to  the  Astor  House,  paid  his  bill, 
collected  his  baggage,  took  another  carriage  and  drove  back 
to  the  Washington  Hotel. 

All  this  trouble  Old  Hurri«ane  took  to  break  the  links 
of  his  action  and  prevent  scandal.  This  filled  up  a  long 
forenoon. 

He  dined  alone  with  his  ward  in  their  private  parlor. 

Such  a  dinner  poor  Cap.  had  never  even  smelt  before  ! 
How  intensely  she  enjoyed  it  with  all  its  surroundings  ! — 
the  comfortable  room,  the  glowing  fire,  the  clean  table,  the 
rich  food,  the  obsequious  attendance,  her  own  genteel  and 
becoming  dress,  the  company  of  a  highly  respectable  guar- 
dian— all,  all,  so  different  from  anything  she  had  ever  been 
accustomed  to,  and  so  highly  appreciated. 

How  happy  she  felt  !  how  much  happier  from  the  con- 
trast of  her  previous  wretchedness  I  to  be  suddenly  freed 
from  want,  toil,  fear,  and  all  the  evils  of  destitute  orphan- 
age, and  to  find  herself  blest  with  wealth,  leisure,  and 
safety,  under  the  care  of  a  rich,  good,  and  kind  father  ! 
(for  such  Capitola  continued  to  believe  her  guardian  to  be.) 
It  was  an  incredible  thing  I   It  was  like  a  fairy  tale  ! 

Something  of  what  was  passing  in  her  mind  was  per- 
ceived by  Old  Hurricane,  who  frequently  burst  into  up- 
roarious fits  of  laughter,  as  he  watched  her. 

At  last,  when  the  dinner  and  dessert  were  removed,  and 
the  nuts,  raisins,  and  wine  placed  upon  the  table,  and  the 
waiters  had  retired  from  the  room  and  left  them  alone, 
sitting  one  on  each  side  of  the  fire,  with  the  table  and  its 
luxuries  between  them,  Major  Warfield  suddenly  looked 
up  and  asked  : 

"  Capitola,  whom  do  you  think  that  I  am 
Old  Hurricane,  to  be  sure  I   I  knew  you  from 
Granny's  description,  the  moment  you  broke  out  so  in  the 
police  office,^'  answered  Cap. 


METAMORPHOSIS    OF  THE  NEWSBOY. 


65 


Humph  !  yes^  you^re  right ;  and  it  was  your  granny 
that  bequeathed  you  to  me,  Capitola." 
Then  she  is  really  dead  V 

Yes.  There — don't  cry  about  her.  She  was  very  old, 
and  she  died  happy.  Xow,  Capitola,  if  you  please  me,  I 
mean  to  adopt  yon  as  my  own  daughter.'' 

"Yes,  father." 
Is^o,  no, — you  needn't  call  me  father,  you  know  be- 
cause it  isn't  true.    Call  me  itnde  !  uncle  !  uncle  !" 

''Is  that  true,  sir  ?"  asked  Cap,  demurely. 

''  No,  no,  no  ;  but  it  will  do  !  it  will  do  !  I^ow,  Cap, 
how  much  do  you  know  ?  anything  ?  Ignorant  as  a  horse, 
I  am  afraid.-" 

''  Yes,  sir,  even  as  a  colt,^^ 

"  Can  you  read  at  all 

''  Yes,  sir.    I  learned  at  the  Sunday-school.'' 

''  Cast  accounts  and  write 

''I  can  keep  your  books  at  a  pinch,  sir.'' 

''  Humph  !  who  taught  you  these  accomplishments 

''Herbert  Greyson,  sir." 

"  Herbert  Greyson  !  Iwe  heard  that  name  before  !  here 
it  is  again.    Who  is  that  Herbert  Greyson  ?" 

"He's  second  mate  on  the  Susan,  sir,  that  is  expected 
in  every  day." 

"IJmph  !  Umph  ! — take  a  glass  of  wine,  Capitola  ?' 

"IN'o,  sir  ;  I  never  touch  a  siugle  drop." 

"  Why  ?  why  ?  good  wine  after  dinner,  my  child,  is  a 
good  thing,  let  me  tell  you." 

"Ah,  sir,  my  life  has  shown  me  too  much  misery  that 
has  come  of  drinking  wine." 

"Well,  well,  as  you  please.  Why,  where  has  the  girl 
run  oS  to  ?"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  breaking  off,  and 
looking  with  amazement  at  Capitola,  who  had  suddenly 
started  up  and  rushed  out  of  the  room. 

In  an  instant  she  rushed  in  again  exclaiming  : 

"  Ohf  he's  come!  he's  come  I   I  heard  his  yoice  I'*^ 


66 


HEEBEET  GEEY80N. 


Who's  come,  you  madcap     inquired  the  old  man. 

Oh,  Herbert  Greyson  !  Herbert  Greyson  !  His  ship 
is  in,  and  he  has  come  here  !  he  always  comes  here — most 
of  the  sea-officers  do  exclaimed  Cap,  dancing  around 
until  all  her  black  ringlets  flew  up  and  down.  Then  sud- 
denly pausing,  she  came  quietly  to  his  side,  and  said,  sol- 
emnly : 

Uncle  !  Herbert  has  been  at  sea  three  years  !  he  knows 
nothing  of  niy  past  misery  and  destitution,  nor  of  my  ever 
wearing  boy's  clothes.  Uncle,  please  don't  tell  him,  espec- 
ially of  the  boy's  clothes  !"  And  in  the  earnestness  of  her 
appeal,  Capitola  clasped  her  hands  and  raised  her  eyes  to 
the  old  man's  face.  How  soft  those  gray  eyes  looked  when 
praying  !  but  for  all  that,  the  very  spirit  of  mischief  still 
lurked  about  the  corners  of  the  plump,  arch  lips. 

"  Of  course  I  shall  tell  no  one.  I  am  not  so  proud  of 
your  masquerading  as  to  publish  it.  And  as  for  this 
young  fellow,  I  shall  probably  never  see  him  V*  exclaimed 
Old  Hurricane. 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

HERBERT  GREYSOK. 

A  kind,  true  heart,  a  spirit  high, 
That  cannot  fear  and  will  not  bow. 
Is  flashing  in  his  manly  eye 

And  stamped  upon  his  brow."  — Halleck. 

In  a  few  minutes  Capitola  came  bounding  up  the  staira 
again,  exclaiming,  joyously — 

"Here  he  is,  uncle!  here  is  Herbert  Greyson!  Come 
along  Herbert!  You  must  come  in  and  see  my  new 
uncle!"    And  she  broke  into  the  room,  dragging  before 


HERBERT  GREY60N. 


67 


her  astonislied  guardian  a  handsome,  dark-eyed  young 
sailor,  who  bowed,  and  then  stood  blushing  at  his  enforced 
intrusion. 

^'1  beg  your  pardon,  sir,^^  he  said,  '^for  bursting  in 
upon  you  in  this  way  ;  but  

I  dragged  him  here  willy-nilly,^^  said  Capitola. 

Still,  if  I  had  had  time  to  think,  I  should  not  have 
intruded/^ 

"Oh,  say  no  more,  sir!  You  are  heartily  welcome!^' 
exclaimed  the  old  man,  thrusting  out  his  rugged  hand  and 
seizing  the  bronzed  one  of  the  youth.  Sit  down,  sir, — 
sit  down!    Good  Lord,  I1020  lihe!"  he  added,  mentally. 

Then,  seeing  the  young  sailor  still  standing  blushing 
and  hesitating,  he  struck  his  cane  upon  the  floor  and 
roared  out  : 

'•^Demmy,  sit  DOWN",  sir!  When  Ira  Warfield  says 
sit  down,  he  means  sit  down!'' 

^'Ira  Warfield!''  exclaimed  the  young  man,  starting 
back  in  astonishment — one  might  almost  say  in  consterna- 
tion. 

*^Aye,  sir!  Ira  Warfield!  that's  my  name!  Never 
heard  any  ill  of  it,  did  you  ?" 

The  young  man  did  not  answer,  but  continued  gazing 
in  amazement  upon  the  speaker. 

^'Nor  any  good  of  it  either,  perhaps, — eh,  uncle?" 
archly  put  in  Capitola. 

^'Silence,  you  monkey!  Well,  young  man!  well,  what 
is  the  meaning  of  all  this  ?"  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane, 
impatiently. 

Oh,  your  pardon,  sir!  this  was  sudden.  But  you 
must  know  I  had  once  a  relative  of  that  name — an  uncle." 

And  have  still,  Herlert  !  and  have  still,  lad!  Come, 
come,  boy!  I  am  not  sentimental,  nor  romantic,  nor 
melo-dramatic,  nor  anything  of  that  sort. "  I  don't  know 
how  to  strike  an  attitude  and  exclaim — ^Come  to  my 
bosom,  sole  remaining  offspring  of  a  dear,  departed  sister,' 


68 


HERBERT  GRETSON. 


or  any  of  the  like  stage-playing.  But  I  tell  you,  lad,  that 
I  like  your  looks  ;  and  I  like  what  I  have  heard  of  you 
from  this  girl  and  another  old  woman,  now  dead;  and 
•0 — ^but  sit  down,  sit  down  demmy,  sir,  sit  dowi?-,  and 
we'll  talk  over  the  walnuts  and  the  wine!  Capitola,  take 
your  seat,  too!''  ordered  the  old  man,  throwing  himself 
into  his  chair.    Herbert  also  drew  his  chair  up. 

Capitola  resumed  her  seat,  saying  to  herself, 

^'Well,  well,  I  am  determined  not  to  be  surprised  at 
anything  that  happens,  being  perfectly  clear  in  my  own 
mind  that  this  is  all  nothing  but  a  dream.  But  how 
pleasant  it  is  to  dream  that  I  have  found  a  rich  uncle  and 
he  has  found  a  nephew,  and  that  nephew  is  Herbert  Grey- 
son  I  I  do  believe  that  I  had  rather  die  in  my  sleep  than 
wake  from  this  dream  I" 

*^  Herbert  \"  said  Old  Hurricane,  as  soon  as  they  had 
gathered  around  the  table,  Herbert,  this  is  my  ward.  Miss 
Black,  the  daughter  of  a  deceased  friend.  Capitola,  this  is 
the  only  son  of  my  departed  sister. 

"  Hem-m-m  !  we  have  had  the  pleasure  of  being  acquain- 
ted with  each  other  before  \"  said  Cap,  pinching  up  her 
lip,  and  looking  demure. 

But  not  of  really  knowing  who  '  each  other '  was,  you 
monkey  !  Herbert,  fill  your  glass  !  Here's  to  our  better 
acquaintance  !" 

I  thank  you,  sir.    I  never  touch  wine,"  said  the  young 

man. 

'Never  touch  wine  !'  here's  another  !  here's  a  young 
prig  I  I  don't  believe  you  !  yes,  I  do  too  !  Demmy,  sir, — 
if  you  never  touch  wine  it's  because  you  prefer  Irandy ! 
 Waiter !" 

''I  thank  you,  sir.  Order  no  brandy  for  me.  If  I 
never  use  intoxicating  liquors,  it  is  because  I  gave  a  promise 
to  that  effect  to  my  dying  mother  !" 

Say  no  more — say  no  more,  lad  I    Drink  water,  if  you 


HERBERT  GRETSON. 


69 


like.  It  wonH  hurt  you!  exclaimed  the  old  man,  filling 
and  qnafifing  a  glass  of  champagne.    Then  he  said  : 

I  quarreled  with  your  mother,  Herbert,  for  marrying 
a  man  that  I  hated — yes,  hated,  Herbert  !  for  he  differed 
with  me  about  the  tariff  and — ^the  Trinity !  Oh,  how  I 
hated  him,  boy,  until  he  died  !  and  then  I  wondered  in  my 
soul,  as  I  wonder  even  now,  how  I  ever  could  have  been  so 
infuriated  against  a  poor  fellow  now  cold  in  his  grave — as  I 
shall  be  in  time  !  I  wrote  to  my  sister,  and  expressed  my 
feelings ;  but  somehow  or  other,  Herbert,  we  never  came  to 
a  right  understanding  again.  She  answered  my  letter 
affectionately  enough,  but  she  refused  to  accept  a  home  for 
herself  and  child  under  my  roof,  saying  that  she  thanked 
me  for  my  offer,  but  that  the  house  which  had  been  closed 
against  her  husband  ought  never  to  become  the  refuge  of 
his  widow.  After  that  we  never  corresponded,  and  I  have 
no  doubt,  Herbert,  that  she,  naturally  enough,  taught  you 
to  dislike  me.-*' 

Not  so,  sir  !  Indeed,  'you  wrong  her  !  She  might 
have  been  loyal  to  my  father's  memory  without  being 
resentful  towards  you.  She  said  that  you  had  a  noble 
nature,  but  it  was  often  obscured  by  violent  passions.  On 
her  deathbed  she  bade  me,  should  I  ever  meet  you,  to  say 
that  she  repented  her  refusal  of  your  offered  kindness." 

An^  consented  that  it  sliould  be  transferred  to  her 
orphan  boy      added  Old  Hurricane,  with  the  tears  like 
rain-drops  in  his  stormy  eyes. 
''No,  sir,  she  said  not  so.'' 

'*But  yet  she  would  not  have  disapproved  a  service 
offered  to  her  son." 

"  Uncle — since  you  permit  me  to  call  you  so — I  want 
nothing.  I  have  a  good  berth  in  the  Susan  and  a  kind 
friend  in  her  captain." 

"You  have  all  your  dear  mother's  pride,  Herbert,'^ 

^'  And  all  his  uncles,"  put  in  Cap. 


70 


HERBERT  GRETSON. 


Hush,  magpie  !    But  is  the  merchant  service  agree- 
able to  you,  Herbert  ?" 

"  Not  perfectly,  sir  ;  but  one  must  be  content/' 
"  Demmy,  sir,  my  sister^'s  son  iieecl  not  be  content 
unless  he  has  a  mind  to  !    And  if  you  prefer  the 
navy  

"No,  sir.  I  like  the  navy  even  less  than  the  merchant 
service." 

"  Then  what  would  suit  you,  lad.  Come,  you  have 
betrayed  the  fact  that  you  are  not  altogether  satisfied." 

"  On  the  contrary,  sir,  I  told  you  distinctly  that  I 
really  wanted  nothing,  and  that  I  must  be  satisfied." 

"And  I  say  demmy,  sir,  you  shan't  be  satisfied,  unless 
you  like  to  !  Come,  if  you  don^t  like  the  navy,  what  do 
you  say  to  the  army,  eh  ? 

"It  is  a  proud,  aspiring  profession,  sir,"  said  the  young 
man,  as  his  face  lighted  up  with  enthusiasm. 

"  Then,  demmy,  if  you  like  the  army,  sir,  you  shall 
enter  it.  Yes,  sir.  Demmy,  the  administration,  con- 
found them,  has  not  done  me  justice,  but  they^ll  scarcely 
dare  to  refuse  to  send  my  nephew  to  West  Point,  when  I 
demand  it." 

"  To  West  Point  !"  exclaimed  Herbert,  in  delight. 

"Aye,  youngster,  to  West  Point.  I  shall  see  to  it, 
when  I  pass  through  Washington  on  our  way  to  Virginia. 
We  start  on  the  early  train  to-morrow  morning.  In  the 
meantime,  young  man,  you  take  leave  of  your  captain, 
pack  up  your  traps  and  join  us.  You  must  go  with  me, 
and  make  Hurricane  Hall  your  home  until  you  go  to  West 
Point." 

"Oh,  what  a  capital  old  governor  our  uncle  is!"  ex- 
claimed Cap,  jumping  up  and  clapping  her  hands. 

"  Sir,  indeed  you  overwhelm  me  with  this  most  unex- 
pected kindness.  I  do  not  know  as  yet  how  much  of  it  I 
ought  to  accept.  But  accident  will  make  me,  whether  or 
no,  your  travelling  companion  for  a  great  part  of  the  way. 


SERBERl'  GEETSOI?. 


?1 


as  I  also  start  for  Virginia  to-morroTV,  to  visit  dear  friends 
there  whose  house  was  always  my  mother's  home  and  mine, 
and  wlio,  since  my  bereavement,  have  been  to  me  like  a 
dear  mother  and  brother.  I  have  not  seen  them  for  years 
and  before  I  go  anywhere  else,  even  to  your  kind  roof,  I 
mnst  go  there,"  said  Herbert  gravely. 

'^And  who  are  those  dear  friends  of  yours,  Herbert, 
and  wliere  do  they  live  ?  If  I  can  serve  them,  they  shall 
be  rewarded  for  their  kindness  unto  you,  my  boy." 

Oh,  sir,  yes,  yes  !  you  can  indeed  serve  them  J  They 
are  a  poor  widow  and  her  only  son  !  She  has  seen  better 
days  ;  but  now  takes  in  sewing  to  support  herself  and  boy. 
When  my  mother  was  living,  during  the  last  years  of  her 
life,  when  she  also  was  a  poor  widow  with  an  only  son, 
they  joined  tlieir  slender  means,  and  took  a  house  and 
lived  together.  When  my  mother  died  leaving  me  a  boy 
of  ten  years  old,  this  poor  woman  still  sheltered  and 
worked  for  me  as  for  her  own  son,  until  ashamed  of  being 
a  burden  to  her,  I  ran  away  and  went  to  sea 

Koble  woman  !  I  will  make  her  fortune  !"  exclaimed 
Old  Hurricane,  jumping  up  and  walking  up  and  down  the 
floor. 

^'  Oh,  do,  sir  !  Oh,  do  !  dear  uncle.  I  don't  wish  you 
to  expend  either  money  or  influence  upon  my  fortunes  ;  but 
oh  !  do  educate  Traverse  !  he  is  such  a  gifted  lad — so  intel- 
lectual I  even  his  Sunday  school  teacher  says  that  he  is  sure 
to  work  his  way  to  distinction,  although  now  he  is  altogether 
dependent  on  his  Sunday  school  for  his  learning.  Oh,  sir, 
if  you  would  only  educate  the  son  he'd  make  a  fortune  for 
his  mother 

G-enerous  boy,  to  plead  for  your  friends  rather  than 
for  yourself  !  But  I  am  strong  enough,  thank  God,  to  help 
you  all  !  You  shall  go  to  West  Point.  Your  young  friend 
shall  go  to  school,  and  then  to  college,"  said  Old  Hurri- 
cane, with  a  burst  of  honest  enthusiasm. 

And  where  shall  I  go,  sir  T'  inquired  Cap. 


HERBERT  GHEtSOH. 


"  To  the  lunatic  asylum,  you  imp  I^'  exclaimed  tlie  old 
man  ;  then  turning  to  Herbert,  he  continued  :  "Yes,  lad, 
I  will  do  as  I  say ;  as  for  the  poor  but  noble-hearted 

widow — 

"  You^ll  marry  her  yourself,  as  a  reward,  won't  you, 
uncle     asked  the  incorrigible  Cap. 

Perhaps  I  will,  you  monkey,  if  it  is  only  to  bring  some- 
body home  to  keep  you  in  order  ?'  said  Old  Hurricane ; 
then  turning  again  to  Herbert,  he  resumed  :  **As  to  the 
widow,  Herbert,  I  will  place  her  above  want/' 

"Over  my  head,^"  cried  Cap. 

*'And  now,  Herbert,  I  will  trouble  you  to  ring  for 
coffee,  and  after  we  have  had  that,  I  think  that  we  had 
better  separate,  and  prepare  for  our  journey  to-morrow/' 

Herbert  obeyed,  and  after  the  required  refreshment  had 
been  served  and  partaken  of,  the  little  circle  broke  up  for 
the  evening,  and  soon  after  retired  to  rest. 

"  Early  the  next  morning,  after  a  hasty  breakfast,  the 
three  took  their  seats  in  the  express  train  for  Washington, 
where  they  arrived  upon  the  evening  of  the  same  day. 
They  put  up  for  the  night  at  Brown's,  and  the  next  day 
Major  Warfield,  leaving  his  party  at  their  hotel,  called  upon 
the  President,  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  other  high  official 
dignitaries,  and  put  affairs  in  such  a  train  that  he  had  lit- 
tle doubb  of  the  ultimate  appointment  of  his  nephew  to  a 
cadetship  at  West  Point. 

The  same  evening,  wishing  to  avoid  the  stage  route  over 
the  mountains,  he  took  with  his  party  the  night  boat  for 
Richmond,  where  in  due  time  they  arrived,  and  whence 
they  took  the  valley  line  of  coaches  that  passed  through 
Tip-Top,  which  they  reached  upon  the  morning  of  the 
fourth  day  of  their  long  journey.  Here  they  found  Major 
Warfield's  carriage  waiting  for  him,  and  here  they  were  to 
separate — Major  Warfield  and  Capitola  to  turn  off  to  Hur- 
ricane Hall,  and  Herbert  Greyson  to  keep  on  the  route  to 
the  town  of  Staunton. 


HERBERT  GREFSON. 


73 


It  was  as  tlie  three  sat  in  the  parlor  of  the  little  hotel, 
where  the  stage  stopped  to  change  horses,  their  adieus  were 
made. 

Kemember,  Herbert,  that  I  am  willing  to  go  to  the 
utmost  extent  of  my  power  to  benefit  the  good  widow  and 
her  son,  wlso  were  so  kind  to  my  nephew  in  his  need. 
Eemember  that  I  hold  it  a  sacred  debt  that  I  owe  them. 
Tell  them  so.  And  mind,  Herbert,  I  shall  expect  you  back 
in  a  week  at  farthest.'^ 

"  I  shall  be  punctual,  sir !  God  bless  you  my  dear 
uncle  !  you  have  made  me  very  happy  in  being  the  bearer 
of  such  glad  tidings  to  the  widow  and  the  fatherless.  And 
now  I  hear  the  horn  blowing — Good-bye,  uncle  !  Good-bye, 
Capitola.  I  am  going  to  carry  them  great  joy,  such  great 
joy,  uncle,  as  you  who  have  everything  you  want,  can 
scarcely  imagine."  And,  shaking  hands  heartily  with  his 
companions,  Herbert  ran  through  the  door,  and  jumped 
aboard  the  coach  just  as  the  impatient  driver  was  about  to 
leave  him  behind. 

As  soon  as  the  coach  had  rolled  out  of  sight  Major  War- 
field  handed  Capitola  into  his  carriage  that  had  long  been 
waiting,  and  took  the  seat  by  her  side — much  to  the  scau- 
dalization  of  Wool,  who  muttered  to  his  horses  : 

"  There,  I  told  you  so  !  I  said  how  he'd  go  and  bring 
home  a  young  wife,  and  behold  he's  gone  and  done  it 

''Uncle  I"  said  Capitola,  as  the  carriage  rolled  lazily 
along — ''  Uncle  !  do  you  know  you  never  once  asked  Her- 
bert the  name  of  the  widow  you  are  going  to  befriend,  and 
that  he  never  told  you  \" 

*'  By  George  !  that  is  true  !  how  strange  !  yet  I  did  not 
seem  to  miss  the  name.  How  did  it  ever  happen,  Capi- 
tola ?  did  he  omit  it  on  purpose,  do  you  think 

Why,  no,  uncle  !  he,  boy-like,  always  spoke  of  them 
as  '  Traverse '  and  '  Traverse's  mother  f  and  you,  like  your- 
self, called  her  nothing  but  the  '  poor  widow, ^  and  the 
'  struggling  mother/  and  the  '  noble  woman,^  and  so  on  ; 


HERBERT  GREYSON. 


and  her  son.  as  the  'boy/  the  ^  youth/  ''young  Traverse/ 
Herbert's  '  friend/  etc.  I,  for  my  part.,  had  some  curiosity 
to  see  whether  you  and  Herbert  would  go  on  talking  of 
them  forever,  witliout  having  to  use  tlieir  surnames.  And 
behold  he  even  went  off  without  naming  them  !" 

^'  By  George  !  and  so  he  did.  It  was  the  strangest  over- 
.ngiit.    But  111  write  as  soon  as  I  get  home  and  ask  him."' 

'^0,  uncle,  jnst  for  the  fnn  of  the  thing,  wait  until  he 
comes  back  and  see  how  long  it  will  be  and  how  much  he 
will  talk  of  them  without  mentioning  their  names.'^ 

Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  so  I  will.  Cap!  so  I  will.  Besides,  what- 
ever their  names  are,  it's  nothing  to  me.  'A  rose  by  any 
other  name  would  smell  as  sweet,'  you  know.  And  if  she 
is  '  Mrs.  Tagfoot  Waddle,'  I  shall  still  think  so  good  a 
woman  exalted  as  a  Montmorencie  ! — Mind  there.  Wool ! 
This  road  is  getting  rough  !" 

Over  it  now,  Marster  !"  said  Wool,  after  a  few  heavy 
jolts — ''Over  it  now,  Missus  !  and  de  rest  of  de  way  is  per- 
fectly delightful. " 

Cap  looked  out  of  the  window,  and  saw  before  her  a 
beautiful  piece  of  scenery — first,  just  below  them,  the  wild 
mountain  stream  of  the  Demon's  Run,  and  beyond  it  the 
wild  dell  dented  into  the  side  of  the  mountain,  like  the 
deep  print  of  an  enormous  horse's  hoof,  in  the  midst  of 
which  gleaming  redly  among  its  richly  tinted  autumn 
woods,  stood  Hurricane  Hall. 


MAE  AH  EOCKS.  15 


CHAPTER  IX. 

MAEAH  ROCKE. 

"  There  sits  upon  her  matron  face 
A  tender  and  a  thoughtful  grace, 
Though  very  still,  —for  great  distress 
Hath  left  this  patient  mournfulness." 

Beside  an  old,  rocky  road^  leading  from  the  to^n  of 
Stannton,  out  to  the  forest-crowned  liills  beyond,  stood  alone, 
a  little,  gray  stone  cottage,  in  the  midst  of  a  garden  enclosed 
by  a  low,  molderiDg  stone  wall.  A  few  gnarled  and  twisted 
frnifc  trees^  long  past  bearings  stood  around  the  lionse,  that 
their  leafless  branches  could  not  be  said  to  shade.  A  little 
w^ooden  gate,  led  up  an  old  paved,  walk  to  the  front  door,  on 
each  side  of  which  were  large  windows. 

In  this  poor  cottage^  remote  from  other  neighbors^  dwelt 
the  friends  of  Herbert  Greyson,  the  widow  Kocke  and  her 
son  Traverse. 

Xo  one  knew  who  she  was,  or  whence,  or  why  she  came. 
Some  fifteen  years  before  she  had  appeared  in  the  town, 
clothed  in  rusty  mourning  and  accompanied  by  a  boy  of 
about  two  years  of  age.  She  had  rented  that  cottage,  fur- 
nished it  poorly,  and  had  settled  there,  supporting  herself 
and  child  by  needle-work. 

At  the  time  that  Doctor  Greyson  died  and  his  widow 
and  son  Avere  left  perfectly  destitute,  and  it  became  neces- 
sarv  for  Mrs.  Grevson  to  look  out  for  an  humble  lodo^ino* 
wliere  she  conld  find  the  united  advantages  of  cheapness, 
eleanlincss,  and  pure  air,  she  was  providentially  led  to 
inquire  at  the  cottage  of  the  widow  Eocke,  whom  she  found 
only  too  glad  to  increase  her  meagre  income  by  letting  half 


her  little  house  to  such  unexceptionable  tenants  as  the 
widow  G-reysou  and  her  son. 

And  thus  commenced  between  the  two  poor  young 
women  and  the  two  boys  an  acquaintance  that  ripened  into 
friendship,  and  thence  into  that  devoted  love  so  seldom  seen 
in  this  world. 

Their  households  became  united.  One  fire,  one  candle 
and  one  table  served  the  little  family,  and  thus  considerable 
expense  was  saved  as  well  as  much  social  comfort  gained. 
And  when  the  lads  grew  too  old  to  sleep  with  their  mothers, 
one  bed  held  the  two  boys  and  the  other  accommodated  the 
two  women.  And  despite  toil,  want,  care — the  sorrow  for 
the  dead  and  the  neglect  of  the  living,  this  was  a  loving, 
contented  and  cheerful  little  household.  How  much  of 
their  private  history  these  women  might  have  confided  to 
each  other,  was  not  known,  but  it  was  certain  that  they 
continued  fast  friends  up  to  the  time  of  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Greyson.  After  which  the  widow  Kocke  assumed  a  double 
burthen,  and  became  a  second  mother  to  the  orphan  boy, 
until  Herbert  himself,  ashamed  of  taxing  her  small  means, 
ran  away,  as  he  had  said,  and  went  to  sea. 

Every  year  had  Herbert  written  to  his  kind  foster- 
mother,  and  his  dear  brother,  as  he  called  Traverse.  And 
at  the  end  of  every  prosperous  voyage,  when  he  had  a  little 
money  he  had  sent  them  funds  ;  but  not  always  did  thcoe 
letters  or  remittances  reach  the  widow's  cottage,  and  long 
seasons  of  intense  anxiety  would  be  suffered  by  her,  for  the 
fate  of  her  sailor  boy,  as  she  always  called  Herbert.  Only 
three  times  in  all  these  years  had  Herbert  found  time  and 
means  to  come  down  and  see  them — and  that  was  long  ago. 
It  was  many  months  over  two  years  since  they  had  even 
received  a  letter  from  him.  And  now  the  poor  widow  and 
her  son  were  almost  tempted  to  think  that  their  sailor  boy 
had  quite  forsaken  them. 

It  is  near  the  close  of  a  late  autumnal  evening,  that  I 


MAEAH  EOCKE. 


17 


shall  introduce  you,  reader,  into  the  interior  of  the  widow's 
cottage. 

You  enter  by  the  little  wooden  gate,  pass  up  the 
moldering,  paved  walk  between  the  old,  leafless  lilac 
bushes,  and  pass  through  the  front  door,  right  into  a  large, 
clean,  but  poor-looking,  sitting-room  and  kitchen. 

Everything  was  old,  though  neatly  and  comfortably 
arranged  about  the  room  :  a  faded  home-made  carpet  cov- 
ered the  floor,  a  threadbare  crimson  curtain  hung  before 
the  window,  a  ricketty  walnut  table,  dark  with  age,  sat 
under  the  window  against  the  wall ;  old  walnut  chairs  were 
placed  each  side  of  it ;  old  plated  candlesticks,  with  the 
silver  all  worn  off,  graced  the  mantel-piece  ;  a  good  fire — a 
cheap  comfort  in  that  well-wooded  country — blazed  upon 
the  hearth  ;  on  the  right  side  of  the  fire-place  a  few  shelves 
contained  sonae  well-worn  books,  a  flute,  a  few  minerals 
and  other  little  treasures  belonging  to  Traverse ;  on  the 
left  hand  there  was  a  dresser  containing  the  little  delf 
ware,  tea-service  and  plates  and  dishes  of  the  small  family. 

Before  the  fire,  with  her  knitting  in  her  hand,  sat 
Marah  Eocke,  watching  the  kettle  as  it  hung  singing  over 
the  blaze,  and  the  oven  of  biscuits  that  sat  baking  upon  the 
hearth. 

Marah  Rocke  was  at  this  time  about  thirty-five  years  of 
age,  and  of  a  singularly  refined  and  delicate  aspect  for  one 
of  her  supposed  rank  ;  her  little  form,  slight  and  flexible  as 
that  of  a  young  girl,  was  clothed  in  a  poor,  but  neat,  black 
dress,  relieved  by  a  pure  white  collar  around  her  throat ; 
her  jet  black  hair  was  parted  plainly  over  her  low,  sweet 
brow,"  brought  down  each  side  her  thin  cheeks,  and  gath- 
ered into  a  bunch  at  the  back  of  her  shapely  little  head  ; 
her  face  was  oval,  with  regular  features  and  pale  olive  com- 
plexion ;  serious  lips,  closed  in  pensive  thought,  and  soft, 
dark-brown  eyes,  full  of  tender  affections  and  sorrowful 
memories,  and  too  often  cast  down  in  meditation  beneath 
the  heavy  shadows  of  their  long,  thick  eyelashes,  com- 


78 


MARAH  KOOKE. 


pleted  the  melancholy  beauty  of  a  countenance  not  often 
seen  among  the  hard-working  children  of  toil. 

Marah  Rocke  was  a  very  hard-working  woman,  sewing 
all  day  long  and  knitting  through  the  twilight,  and  then 
again  resuming  her  needle  by  candle-light,  and  sewing 
until  midnight,  and  yet  Marah  Rocke  made  but  a  poor  and 
precarious  living  for  herself  and  son — needle-work,  so  ill- 
paid  in  large  cities,  is  even  worse  paid  in  the  country 
towns,  and  though  the  cottage  hearth  was  never  cold,  the 
widow^s  meals  were  often  scant.  Lately  her  son,  Traverse, 
who  occasionally  earned  a  trifle  of  money  by  doing,  with 
all  his  might,  whatever  his  hand  could  find  to  do,''  had 
been  engaged  by  a  grocer  in  the  town  to  deliver  his  goods 
to  his  customers  during  the  illness  of  the  regular  porter  ; 
for  which,  as  he  was  only  a  substitute,  he  received  the  very 
moderate  sum  of  twenty-five  cents  a  day. 

This  occupation  took  Traverse  from  home  at  daybreak 
in  the  morning,  and  kept  him  absent  until  eight  o'clock  at 
night.  Nevertheless,  the  widow  always  gave  him  a  hot 
breakfast  before  he  went  out  in  the  morning,  and  kept  a 
comfortable  supper  waiting  for  him  at  night. 

It  was  during  the  last  social  meal  that  the  youth  would 
tell  his  mother  all  that  had  occurred  in  his  world  outside 
the  home  that  day,  and  all  that  he  expected  to  come  to 
pass  the  next,  for  Traverse  was  wonderfully  hopeful  and 
sanguine. 

And  after  supper  the  evening  was  generally  spent  by 
Traverse  in  hard  study,  beside  his  mother's  sewing-stand. 

Upon  this  evening,  when  the  widow  sat  waiting  for  her 
son,  he  seemed  to  be  detained  longer  than  usual.  She 
almost  feared  that  the  biscuits  would  be  burned,  or,  if 
taken  from  the  oven,  be  cold,  before  he  would  come  to 
enjoy  them  ;  but  just  as  she  had  looked  for  the  twentieth 
time  at  the  little  black  walnut  clock  that  stood  between 
those  old  plated  candlesticks  on  the  mantel -piece,  the 
sound  of  quick,  light,  joyous  footsteps  was  heard  resounding 


MAEAH  EOOKE. 


79 


along  the  stony  street^  the  gate  was  opened^  a  hand  hiid 
upon  the  door-Latch,  and  the  next  instant  entered  a  jonth 
some  seventeen  years  of  age.  clad  in  a  homespun  suit^ 
whose  coarse  material  and  clumsy  make  could  not  disguise 
his  noble  form  or  graceful  air. 

He  was  like  his  mother,  with  the  same  oval  face,  regu- 
lar features^  and  pale  olive  complexion,  with  the  same  full, 
serious  lips,  the  same  dark  tender  brown  eyes,  shaded  by 
long  black  lashes,  and  the  same  wavy,  jet  black  hair — but 
there  was  a  dilferencc  in  the  character  of  their  faces :  where 
hers  showed  refinement  and  melancholy,  his  exhibited 
strength  and  cheerfulness — his  loving  brown  eyes,  instead 
of  drooping  sadly  under  the  shadow  of  their  laches,  looked 
you  brightly  and  confidently  full  in  the  face — and  lastly, 
his  black  hair  curled  crisply  aronnd  a  broad,  high  forehead, 
royal  with  intellect.  Such  was  the  boy  that  entered  the 
room  and  came  joyously  forward  to  his  mother,  clasping 
his  arm  around  her  neck,  saluting  her  on  both  cheeks,  and 
then,  laughingly  claiming  his  childish  privilege  of  kissing 
"  the  pretty  little  black  mole  on  her  throat."' 

"TVill  you  never  have  outgrown  your  babyhood.  Trav- 
erse     asked  his  mother,  smiling  at  his  affectionate  ardor. 

•''Yes,  dear  little  mother  I  in  everything  but  the  priv- 
ilege of  fondling  yon  I  that  feature  of  babyhood  I  never 
shall  outgrow  exclaimed  the  youth,  kissing  her  again  with 
all  the  ardor  of  liis  true  and  affectionate  heart,  and  starting 
up  to  help  her  set  the  table. 

He  dragged  the  table  otit  from  under  the  window,  spread 
the  cloth,  and  placed  the  cups  and  saucers  upon  it,  while 
his  mother  took  the  biscuits  from  the  oven  and  made  the 
tea  ;  so  that  in  ten  minutes  from  the  moment  in  which  he 
entered  the  room,  mother  and  son  were  seated  at  their  frugal 
supper. 

'■•I  suppose,  to-morrow  being  Saturday,  you  will  have  to 
get  up  earlier  than  usual  to  go  to  the  store  ?'  said  his 
mother. 


80 


MARAH  ROCKE. 


*'No,  ma'am  !"  replied  the  boy,  looking  up  brightly,  as 
if  he  were  telling  a  piece  of  good  news.  I  am  not  wanted 
any  longer  !  Mr.  Spicer^s  own  man  has  got  well  again  and 
returned  to  work.^' 

'*So  you  are  discharged     said  Mrs.  Rocke,  sadly. 

Yes,  ma'am  !  but  just  think  how  fortunate  that  is ! 
for  I  shall  have  a  chance  to-morrow  of  mending  the  fence, 
and  nailing  up  the  gate,  and  sawing  wood  enough  to  last 
you  a  week,  besides  doing  all  the  other  little  odd  jobs  that 
have  been  waiting  for  me  so  long ;  and  then  on  Monday  I 
shall  get  more  work  \" 

I  wish  I  were  sure  of  it  \"  said  the  widow,  whose  hopes 
had  long  since  been  too  deeply  crushed  to  permit  her  ever  to 
be  sanguine. 

When  their  supper  was  over,  and  the  humble  service 
cleared  away,  the  youth  took  his  books  and  applied  himself 
to  study  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  table  at  which  his 
mother  sat  busied  with  her  needle-work.  And  there  fell  a 
perfect  silence  between  them. 

The  widow's  mind  was  anxious  and  her  heart  heavy ; 
many  cares  never  communicated  to  cloud  the  bright  sunshine 
of  her  boy's  soul,  oppressed  hers.  The  rent  had  fallen 
fearfully  behind  hand,  and  the  landlord  threatened,  unless 
the  money  could  be  raised  to  pay  him,  to  seize  their  fur- 
niture and  eject  them  from  the  premises.  And  how  this 
money  was  to  be  raised,  she  could  not  see  at  all  !  True,  this 
meek  Christian  had  often  in  her  sad  experience  proved  God's 
special  providence  at  her  utmost  need,  and  now  she  believed 
in  His  ultimate  interference,  but  in  what  manner  He  would 
now  interpose  she  could  not  imagine,  and  her  faith  grew 
dim,  and  her  hope  dark,  and  her  love  cold. 

While  she  was  revolving  these  sad  thoughts  in  her  mind. 
Traverse  suddenly  thrust  aside  his  books,  and  with  a  deep 
sigh,  turned  to  his  mother,  and  said  : 

Mother,  what  do  you  think  has  ever  become  of  Her- 
bert r 


MARAH  KOCKE. 


81 


do  not  know.  I  dread  to  conjecture.  It  lias  now- 
been  nearly  three  years  since  we  heard  from  him  I"  ex- 
claimed the  widow,  with  the  tears  welling  up  to  her  brown 
eyes. 

"  You  think  he  has  been  lost  at  sea,  mother,  but  I 
don^t !  1  simply  think  his  letters  haye  been  lost !  And 
somehow  to-night  I  can^t  fix  my  mind  on  my  lessons,  or 
keep  it  off  Herbert !  He  is  running  in  my  head  all  the 
time  !  If  I  were  fanciful  now,  I  sJwuId  believe  that  Her- 
bert; was  dead  and  his  spirit  was  about  me  ! — Good  heavens 
mother  !  whose  step  is  that  ?"  suddenly  exclaimed  the  youth, 
starting  up  and  assuming  an  attitude  of  intense  listening, 
as  a  fi.rm  and  ringing  step,  attended  by  a  peculiar  whistling 
approached  up  the  street  and  entered  the  gate. 

It  is  Herbert !  it  is  Herbert  \"  cried  Traverse,  start- 
ing across  the  room  and  tearing  open  the  door  with  a  sud- 
denness that  threw  the  entering  guest  forward  upon  his  own 
bosom,  but  his  arms  were  soon  around  the  new-comer,  clasp- 
ing him  closely  there,  while  he  breathlessly  exclaimed  : 

Oh,  Herbert !  I  am  so  glad  to  see  you  !  Oh,  Herbei-t ! 
why  didn't  you  come  or  write  all  this  long  time  ?  Oh, 
Herbert !  how  long  have  you  been  ashore  ?  I  was  just 
talking  about  you 

"  Dear  fellow  ! — dear  fellow  !  I  have  come  to  make 
you  glad  at  last,  and  repay  all  your  great  kindness;  but  now 
let  me  speak  to  my  second  mother,^-'  said  Herbert,  return- 
ing Traverse's  embrace,  and  then  gently  extricating  himself 
and  going  to  where  Mrs.  Eocke  stood  up,  pale,  trembling 
and  incredulous ;  she  had  not  yet  recovered  the  great  shock 
of  his  unexpected  appearance. 

Dear  mother,  won't  you  welcome  me  asked  Her- 
bert, going  up  to  her.  His  words  dissolved  the  spell  that 
bound  her ;  throwing  her  arms  around  his  neck  and  burst- 
ing into  tears,  she  exclaimed  : 

"  Oh,  my  son  !  my  son  !  my  sailor  boy  !  my  other  child  I 
how  glad  I  am  to  have  you  back  once  morel   "Welcome  ? — 


82 


MARAH  ROOKE. 


to  be  sure  you  are  welcome  ! — is  my  own  circulating  blood 
welcome  back  to  my  heart  ? — but  sit  you  down  and  rest  by 
the  fire  !    I  will  get  your  supper  directly  I" 

Sweet  mother,  do  not  take  the  trouble  !    I  supped 
twenty  miles  back  where  the  stage  stopped/^ 
And  will  you  take  nothing  at  all  ?" 

^'Nothing,  dear  mother,  but  your  kind  hand  to  kiss 
again  and  again  !"  said  the  youth,  pressing  that  hand  to  his 
lips,  and  then  allowing  the  widow  to  put  him  into  a  chair 
right  in  front  of  the  fire. 

Traverse  sat  on  one  side  of  him  and  his  mother  on  the 
other,  each  holding  a  hand  of  his,  and  gazing  on  him  with 
mingled  incredulity,  surprise  and  delight,  as  if,  indeed, 
they  could  not  realize  his  presence  except  by  devouring 
him  with  their  eyes. 

And  for  the  next  half-hour  all  their  talk  was  as  wild 
and  incoherent  as  the  conversation  of  long-parted  friends 
suddenly  brought  together,  is  apt  to  be. 

It  was  all  made  up  of  hasty  questions,  hurried  one  upon 
another,  so  as  to  leave  but  little  chance  to  have  any  of  them 
answered,  and  wild  exclamations  and  disjointed  sketches  of 
travel,  interrupted  by  frequent  ejaculations  ;  yet  through 
all  the  widow  and  her  son,  perhaps  through  the  quickness 
of  their  love  as  well  as  of  their  intellect,  managed  to  get 
some  knowledge  of  the  past  three  years  of  their  sailor 
boy^s life  and  adventures,  and  they  entirely  vindicated  his 
constancy  when  they  learned  how  frequently  and  regularly 
he  had  written,  though  they  had  never  received  his  letters. 

'^And  now,^^  said  Herbert,  looking  from  side  to  side, 
from  mother  to  son,  I  have  told  you  all  my  adventures,  I 
am  dying  to  tell  you  something  that  concerns  yourselves.'' 

^'  That  concerns  tts  f  exclaimed  mother  and  son  in  a 
breath. 

"Yes,  ma^am  !  yes,  sir  !  that  concerns  you  both  emi- 
nently ;  but  first  of  all,  let  me  ask  how  you  are  getting  on 
at  this  present  time  ?" 


MARAH  ROCKE. 


88 


Oh,  as  usual/^  said  the  widow,  smiling,  for  she  did 
not  wish  to  damp  the  spirits  of  her  sailor  boy  ;  "  as  usual, 
of  course.  Traverse  has  not  been  able  to  accomplish  his 
darling  purpose  of  entering  the  Seminary  yet ;  but — " 

^'But  Fm  getting  on  quite  well  with  my  education  for 
all  that,'-*  interrupted  Traverse  ;  '^for  I  belong  to  Dr.  Day^s 
Bible  class  in  the  Sabbath  school,  which  is  a  class  of  young 
men,  you  know  !  and  the  doctor  is  so  good  as  to  think  that 
I  have  some  mental  gifts  worth  cultivating,  so  he  does  not 
confine  his  instructions  to  me  to  the  Bible  class  alone,  but 
permits  me  to  come  to  him  in  his  library,  at  Willow-Heights 
for  an  hour,  twice  a  week,  when  he  examines  me  in  Latin 
and  Algebra,  and  sets  me  new  exercises,  which  I  study  and 
write  out  at  night ;  so  that  you  see  I  am  doing  very  well/^ 

'^Indeed,  the  doctor,  who  is  a  great  scholar,  and  one 
of  the  trustees  and  examiners  of  the  Seminary,  says  that  he 
does  not  know  any  young  man  titer e,  with  all  the  advan- 
tages of  the  institution  around  him,  who  is  getting  along 
60  fast  as  Traverse  is,  with  all  the  difficulties  he  has  to 
encounter.  The  doctor  says  it  is  all  because  Traverse  is 
profoundly  in  earnest,  and  that  one  of  these  days  he  will 
be  

"  There,  mother  !  don^t  repeat  all  the  doctor's  kind 
speeches  !  He  only  says  such  things  to  encourage  a  poor 
boy  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge  under  difficulties,^^  said 
Traverse,  blushing  and  laughing. 

— Will  be  an  honor  to  his  kindred,  country  and  race, 
said  Herbert,  finishing  the  widow's  incomplete  quotation. 

It  was  something  like  that,  indeed,'"  she  said,  nod- 
ding and  smiling. 

You  do  me  proud  V'  said  Traverse,  touching  his  fore- 
lock with  comic  gravity.  But,'"  inquired  he,  suddenly 
changing  his  tone  and  becoming  serious,  was  it  not — is  it 
not — noble  in  the  doctor  to  give  up  an  hour  of  his  precious 
time  twice  a  week,  for  no  other  cause  than  to  help  a  poor, 
struggling  fellow  like  me  up  the  ladder  of  learning  V 


S4 


MARAH  ROCKE. 


I  should  think  it  was  ;  but  he  is  not  the  first  noble 
heart  I  ever  heard  of,"  said  Herbert,  with  an  affectionate 
glance  that  directed  the  compliment,  nor  is  his  the  last 
that  you  will  meet  with.  I  must  tell  you  the  good  news 
now/^ 

Oh,  tell  it  I  tell  it  I  have  you  got  a  ship  of  your  own, 
Herbert  T 

"  No,  nor  is  it  about  myself  that  I  am  anxious  to  tell 
you.  Mrs.  Eocke,  you  may  have  heard  that  I  had  a  rich 
uncle,  whom  I  had  never  seen,  because,  from  the  time  of 
my  dear  mother^s  marriage  to  that  of  her  death,  she  and 
her  brother,  this  very  uncle,  had  been  estranged  ?" 

Yes,'^  said  the  widow,  speaking  in  a  very  low  tone, 
and  bending  her  head  over  her  work  ;  '*yes,  I  have  heard 
so ;  but  your  mother  and  myself  seldom  alluded  to  the  sub- 
ject.^' 

Exactly  !  mother  never  was  fond  of  talking  of  him  I 
Well,  when  I  came  on  shore,  and  went,  as  usual,  up  to  the 
old  Washington  House,  who  should  I  meet  with,  all  of  a 
sudden,  but  this  rich  uncle.  He  had  come  to  New  York 
to  claim  a  little  girl  whom  I  happened  to  know,  and  who 
happened  to  recognize  me,  and  name  me  to  him.  Well,  I 
knew  him  only  by  his  name  ;  but  he  knew  me  both  by  my 
name  and  by  my  likeness  to  his  sister,  and  received  me 
with  wonderful  kindness,  offered  me  a  home  under  his 
roof,  and  promised  to  get  for  me  an  appointment  to  West 
Point.  Are  you  not  glad  ? — say,  are  you  not  glad  V  he 
exclaimed,  jocosely  clapping  his  hand  upon  Traversers 
knee,  and  then  turning  around  and  looking  at  his  mother. 

"  Oh,  yes,  indeed  I  am  very  glad,  Herbert  V  exclaimed 
Traverse,  heartily  grasping  and  squeezing  his  friend's 
hand. 

^'Yes,  yes,  I  am  indeed  sincerely  glad  of  your  good 
fortune,  dear  boy,"  said  the  widow  ;  but  her  voice  was  very 
faint,  and  her  head  bent  still  lower  over  her  work. 

"  Ha  !  ha  I  ha  1   I  knew  you'd  be  glad  for  me;  but  now 


as 


I  require  you  to  be  glad  for  yourselves.  Now  listen : 
When  I  told  my  honest  old  uncle — for  he  is  honest,  with 
all  his  eccentricities — when  I  told  him  of  what  friends  you 
had  been  to  me — " 

Oh  not  you  did  not!  Tou  did  not  mention  us  to 
HIM  V  cried  the  widow,  suddenly  starting  up  and  clasping 
her  hands  together,  while  she  gazed  in  an  agony  of  en- 
treaty into  the  face  of  the  speaker. 

"  Why  not  ? — why  in  the  world  not  ?  Was  there  any- 
thing improper  in  doing  so  ?"  inquired  Herbert,  in  aston- 
ishment, while  Traverse  himself  gazed  in  amazement  at 
the  excessive  and  unaccountable  agitation  of  his  mother. 

Why,  mother  ?  Why  shouldn^t  he  have  mentioned 
us  ?  Was  there  anything  strange  or  wrong  in  that  in- 
quired Traverse. 

*'No,  oh,  no  ;  certainly  not ! — I  forgot,  it  was  so  sud- 
den, said  the  widow  sinking  back  in  her  chair  and  strug- 
gling for  self-control. 

Why,  mother,  what  in  the  world  is  the  meaning  of 
this     asked  her  son. 

"  Nothing,  nothing,  boy  ;  only  we  are  poor  folks,  and 
should  not  be  forced  upon  the  attention  of  a  wealthy  gentle- 
man,she  said,  with  a  cold,  unnatural  smile,  putting  her 
hand  to  her  brow  and  striving  to  gain  composure.  Then, 
as  Herbert  continued  silent  and  amazed,  she  said  to  him  : 

Go  on — go  on — you  were  saying  something  about  my 
— about  Major  Warfield's  kindness  to  you — go  on."  And 
she  took  up  her  work  and  tried  to  sew,  but  she  was  as  pale 
as  death,  and  trembling  all  over  at  the  same  time, while  every 
nerve  was  acute  with  attention  to  catch  every  word  that 
might  fall  from  the  lips  of  Herbert. 

Well,'^  recommenced  the  young  sailor,  I  was  just 
saying  that  when  I  mentioned  you  and  Traverse  to  my 
uncle,  and  told  him  how  kind  and  disinterested  you  had 
been  to  me — you  being  like  a  mother,  and  Traverse  like  a 
brother, — he  was  really  moved  almost  to  tears  I   Yes,  I  de- 


86 


MAKAH  ^OCKfi. 


clare  I  saw  the  rain-drops  glittering  in  his  tempestuous  old 
orbs,  as  he  walked  the  floor  muttering  to  himself,  'Poor 
woman — good,  excellent  woman/ 

While  Herbert  spoke,  the  widow  dropped  her  work 
without  seeming  to  know  that  she  had  done  so  ;  her  fingers 
twitched  so  nervously  that  she  had  to  hold  both  hands 
clasped  together,  and  her  eyes  were  fixed  in  intense  anxiety 
upon  the  face  of  the  youth,  as  she  repeated  : 

^'  Go  on — oh,  go  on  !  What  more  did  he  say  when  you 
talked  of  us  r 

"  He  said  everything  that  was  kind  and  good.  He  said 
that  he  could  not  do  too  much  to  compensate  you  for  the 
past/^ 

Oh  !  did  he  say  that  T'  exclaimed  the  widow,  breath- 
lessly. 

Yes — and  a  great  deal  more  ! — that  all  that  he  could 
do  for  3^ou  or  your  son  was  but  a  sacred  debt  he  owed  you/^ 

"  Oh,  he  acknowledged  it !  he  acknowledged  it  !  thank 
heaven  !  oh,  thank  heaven  I    Go  on,  Herbert  !    Go  on  !" 

Ho  said  that  he  would  in  future  take  the  whole  charge 
of  the  boy's  advancement  in  life,  and  that  he  would  place 
you  above  want  forever  ;  that  he  would,  in  fact,  compensate 
for  the  past  by  doing  you  and  yours  full  justice/^ 

'^'^  Thank  heaven  !  Oh,  thank  heaven  \"  exclaimed  the 
widow,  no  longer  concealing  her  agitation,  but  throwing 
down  her  Avork,  and  starting  up  and  pacing  the  floor  in 
excess  of  joy. 

^•'Mother,"  said  Traverse,  uneasily,  going  to  her  and 
taking  lier  hand,  mother,  what  is  the  meaning  of  all  this? 
Do  come  and  sit  down  V 

She  immediately  turned  and  walked  back  to  the  fire,  and 
resting  her  hands  upon  the  back  of  the  chair,  bent  upon 
them  a  face  radiant  with  youthful  beauty.  Her  cheeks  were 
brightly  flushed,  her  eyes  were  sparkling  with  light,  her 
whole  countenance  resplendant  with  joy — she  scarcely 
seemed  twenty  years  of  age. 


MARAH  EOCKE. 


87 


Mother,  tell  us  what  it  is/^  pleaded  Traverse,  who 
feared  for  her  sanity. 

Oh,  boys,  lam  so  happy  !  at  last  !  at  Last  !  after  eight- 
een years  of  patient  '  hoping  against  hope  !'  I  shall  go 
mad  with  joy 

*^  Mother,''^  said  Herbert,  softly. 

"■Children,  I  am  not  crazy!  I  know  what  I  am  say- 
ing, though  I  did  not  intend  to  say  it  !  And  you  shall 
know,  too  !  But  first  I  must  ask  Herbert  another  ques- 
tion :  Herbe]"t,  are  you  very  sure  that  he — Major  War- 
field, — knew  Avho  we  were 

'^^Yes,  indeed.  Didn^t  I  tell  him  all  about  you? 
Your  troubles,  your  struggles,  your  disinterestedness,  and 
all  your  history  since  ever  I  knew  you  ?"  answered  Her- 
bert, who  was  totally  unconscious  that  he  had  left  Major 
Warfield  in  ignorance  of  one  very  important  fact — her  s^ir- 
name. 

"  Then  you  are  sure  he  knew  who  he  was  talking 
about  r 

''Oi  course,  he  did  \" 

*'He  could  not  have  failed  to  do  so,  indeed  !  But, 
Herbert,  did  he  mention  any  other  important  fact,  that  you 
have  not  yet  communicated  to  us  ?" 

"No,  ma'am.'' 

"  Did  he  allude  to  any  previous  acquaintance  with 
us  ?" 

"iSTo,  ma'am,  unless  it  might  have  been  in  the  words  I 
repeated  to  you — there  was  nothing  else  ! — except  that  he 
bade  me  hurry  to  you  and  make  you  glad  with  his  message, 
and  return  as  soon  as  possible  to  let  him  know  whether 
you  accept  his  offers." 

"  Accept  them  !  accept  them  !  of  course  I  do  !  I  have 
waited  for  them  for  years  ! — oh  !  children  !  you  gaze  on  me 
as  if  you  thought  me  mad  !  I  am  not  so  !  nor  can  I  now 
explain  myself  !  for  since  he  has  not  chosen  to  be  confiden- 
tial with  Herbert,  I  can  not  be  so  prematurely-I  but  you 


B8 


THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TRAP-DOOR, 


will  know  all,  when  Herbert  shall  have  borne  back  my 

message  to  Major  Warfield/' 

It  was,  indeed,  a  mad  evening  in  the  cottage.  And 
even  when  the  little  family  had  separated  and  retired  to 
bed  the  two  youths  lying  together,  as  formerly,  could  not 
sleep  for  talking  ;  while  the  widow,  on  her  lonely  couch, 
lay  awake  for  joy. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TRAP-DOOR. 

"If  you  have  hitherto  concealed  this  sight, 
Let  it  be  tenable,  in  your  silence  still  ; 
And  whatsoever  else  doth  hap  to-night, 
Give  it  an  understanding,  but  no  tongue." 

— Shakespeare. 

Capitola  meanwhile,  in  the  care  of  the  major,  arrived 
at  Hurricane  Hall,  much  to  the  discomfiture  of  good  Mrs. 
Condiment,  who  was  quite  unprepared  to  expect  the  new 
inmate  ;  and  when  Major  Warfield  said  : 

Mrs.  Condiment,  this  is  your  young  lady,  take  her  up 
to  the  best  bedroom,  where  she  can  take  off  her  bonnet 
and  shawl,"*'  the  worthy  dame,  thinking  secretly  :  **  The 
old  fool  has  gone  and  married  a  young  wife,  sure  enough  ; 
a  mere  chit  of  a  child — made  a  very  deep  courtesy,  and  a 
very  queer  cough,  and  said  : 

I'm  mortified.  Madam,  at  the  fire  not  being  made  in 
the  best  bedroom;  but  then  I  was  not  warned  of  your  com- 
ing. Madam  \" 

Madam  !  Is  the  old  woman  crazed  ?   This  child  is  no 
'  madam  !'    She  is  Miss  Black,  my  ward,  the  daughter  of 
a  deceased  friend  V'  sharply  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane. 
"  Excuse  me,  Miss,  I  did  not  know ;  I  was  unprepared 


THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TEA?-DOOR. 


SO 


to  receive  a  young  lady.    Shall  I  attend  you,  Miss  Black 
said  the  old  lady  in  a  mollified  tone. 

'^If  you  please/^  said  Capitola,  and  arose  to  follow  her. 
Not  expecting  you.  Miss,  I  have  no  proper  room  pre- 
pared— most  of  them  are  not  furnished,  and  in  some,  the 
chimneys  are  foul  ;  indeed,  the  only  tolerable  room  I  can 
put  you  in  is  the  room  with  the  trap-door — if  you  would 
not  object  to  it  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  as  with  a  candle 
in  her  hand,  she  preceded  Capitola  along  the  gloomy  hall, 
and  then  opened  a  door  that  led  into  a  narrow  passage. 

A  room  with  a  trap-door  ? — that^s  a  curious  thing  ; 
but  why  should  I  object  to  it !  I  don't  at  all.  I  think  I 
should  rather  like  it,^"*  said  Capitola. 

I  will  show  it  to  you  and  tell  you  about  it,  and  then 
if  you  like  it,  well  and  good  !  If  not,  I  shall  have  to  put 
you  in  a  room  that  leaks,  and  has  swallows  nests  in  the 
chimney,^'  answered  Mrs.  Condiment,  as  she  led  the  way 
along  the  narrow  passages,  and  up  and  down  dark,  black 
stairs,  and  through  bare  and  deserted  rooms,  and  along 
other  passages  until  she  reached  a  remote  chamber,  opened 
the  door,  and  invited  her  guest  to  enter. 

It  was  a  large  shadowy  room,  through  which  the  single 
candle  shed  such  a  faint,  uncertain  light,  that  at  first  Cap- 
itola could  see  nothing  but  black  masses  looming  up 
through  the  darkness. 

But  when  Mrs.  Condiment  advanced  and  set  the  candle 
upon  the  chimney-piece,  and  Capitola's  sight  accommodated 
itself  to  the  scene,  she  saw  that  upon  the  right  of  the  chim- 
ney-piece stood  a  tall  tester  bedstead,  curtained  with  very 
dark  crimson  serge ;  on  the  left  hand,  thick  curtains  of  the 
same  color  draped  the  windows.  Between  these  windows, 
directly  opposite  the  bed,  stood  a  dark  mahogany  dressing 
bureau,  with  a  large  looking-glass  ;  a  wash-stand  in  the 
left  hand  corner  of  the  chimney-place  ;  and  a  rocking-chair 
and  two  plain  chairs  completed  the  furniture  of  this  room, 
that  I  am  particular  in  describing,  as  upon  the  simple 


THE  ROOM  05"  THE  TRAl'-DOOS. 


accident  of  its  arrangement^  depended,  upon  two  occasions, 
the  life  and  honor  of  its  occupant.  There  was  no  carpet 
on  the  floor,  with  the  exception  of  a  large  old  Turkey  rug 
which  was  laid  before  the  fire-place. 

Here,  my  dear,  this  room  is  perfectly  dry  and  com- 
fortable, and  we  always  keep  kindlings  built  up  in  the  fire- 
jolace  ready  to  light  in  case  a  guest  should  come,"  said 
Mrs.  Condiment,  applying  a  match  to  the  wastepaper 
under  the  pineknots  and  logs  that  filled  the  chimney. 
Soon  there  arose  a  cheerful  blaze  that  lighted  up  all  the 
room,  glowing  on  the  crimson  serge  bed-curtains  and  win- 
dow-curtains, and  flashing  upon  the  large  looking-glass 
between  them. 

"  There,  my  dear ;  sit  down,  and  make  yourself  com- 
fortable,'^ said  Mrs.  Condiment,  drawing  up  the  rocking- 
chair. 

Capitola  threw  herself  into  it,  and  looked  around  and 
around  the  room,  and  then  into  the  face  of  the  old  lady, 
saying  : 

But  what  about  the  trap-door  ? — I  see  no  trap-door  V 
^^Ah,  yes — look  V  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  lifting  up  the 
rug  and  revealing  a  large  drop  some  four  feet  square,  that 
was  kept  up  in  its  place  by  a  short  iron  bolt.  ^^'Now,  my 
dear,  take  care  of  yourself,  for  this  bolt  slides  very  easily, 
and  if,  while  you  happened  to  be  walking  across  this  place, 
you  were  to  push  the  bolt  back,  the  trap-door  would  drop 
and  you  fall  down — heaven  knows  where 

Is  there  a  cellar  under  there?"  inquired  Capitola, 
gazing  with  interest  upon  the  door. 

^^Lord  knows,  child  ;  I  don^t !  I  did  once  make  one 
of  the  nigger  men  let  it  down,  so  I  could  look  in  it ;  but^. 
Lord,  child,  I  saw  nothing  but  a  great,  black,  deep 
vacuity,  without  bottom  or  sides  !  It  put  such  a  horror 
over  me,  that  I  never  looked  down  there  since,  and  never 
want  to,  Tm  sure." 

Ugh !  for  goodness  sake  what  was  the  horrid  thing 


THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TEAP-DOOR.  91 

made  for  I'^  ejaculated  Capitola,  gazing  as  if  fascinated  by 
the  trap. 

The  Lord  only  kno'^s,  my  dear  ;  for  it  was  raade  long 
before  ever  the  house  came  into  the  major's  family.  But 
they  do  say  whispered  Mrs.  Condiment,  mysteriously. 

^'Ahl  what  do  they  say?'"  asked  Capitola,  eagerly 
throwing  off  her  bonnet  and  shawl,  and  settling  herself  to 
hear  some  thrilling  explanation. 

Mrs.  Condiment  sluwly  replaced  the  rug,  drew  another 
chair  to  the  side  of  the  young  girl,  and  said  : 

^'  Tbey  do  say  it  was — a  trap  for  Indians.'' 
A  trap  for  Indians  ?'' 

Yes,  my  dear.  You  must  know  that  this  room 
belongs  to  the  oldest  part  of  tlx e  house.  It  was  all  built  as 
far  back  as  the  old  French  and  Indian  war  :  but  this  room 
belonged  to  the  part  that  dates  back  to  the  first  settlement 
of  the  country.''' 

^'  Then  I  shall  like  it  better  than  any  room  in  the  house, 
for  I  doat  on  old  p)laces  with  stories  to  them.  Go  on, 
please.'' 

Yes,  my  dear.  Well,  first  of  all,  this  place  was  a  part 
of  the  grant  of  land  given  to  the  Le  Xoirs.  And  the  first 
owner,  old  Henri  Le  Xoir,  was  said  to  be  one  of  the  grand- 
est villains  that  ever  was  lieard  of.  Well,  you  see,  he 
lived  out  here  in  his  hunting-lodge,  which  is  this  part  of 
the  house."'" 

Oh,  my  I  then  this  very  room  was  a  part  of  the  old 
pioneer  hunter's  lodge  ?''* 

Yes,  my  dear,  and  they  do  say  that  he  had  this  place 
made  as  a  trap  for  the  Indians.  Yuu  see,  they  say  he  was 
on  terms  of  friendship  wirh  xhc  Succapoos,  a  little  tribe  of 
Indians  that  was  nearly  wasted  away,  though  among  the 
few  that  was  left  there  v\-ere  s?^  eral  braves  I  Well,  he 
wanted  to  buy  a  certain  large  tract  of  land  fruni  this  tribe, 
and  they  were  all  willing  to  sell  it,  except  these  half  a  dozen 
warriors,  who  wanted  it  for  camping-ground.    So  what 


92 


THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TKAP-DOOR. 


does  this  awful  villain  do,  but  lay  a  snare  for  them.  He 
makes  a  great  feast,  in  his  lodge  and  invites  his  red 
brothers  to  come  to  it ;  and  they  come.  Then  he  proposes 
that  they  stand  upon  his  blanket  and  all  swear  eternal 
brotherhood,  which  he  made  the  poor  souls  believe  was  the 
right  way  to  do  it.  Then  when  they  all  six  stood  close 
together  as  they  could  stand,  with  hands  held  up  touching 
above  their  heads,  all  of  a  sudden  the  black  villain  sprung 
the  bolt,  the  trap  fell,  and  the  six  men  went  down — down, 
the  Lord  knows  where. 

Oh,  that  is  horrible  !  horrible  \"  cried  Capitola,  ^*  but 
where  do  you  think  they  fell  to  P'"* 

I  tell  you  the  Lord  only  knows.  They  say  that  it  is  a 
bottomless  abyss,  with  no  outlet  but  one  crooked  one  miles 
long  that  reaches  to  the  Demon's  Punch  Bowl.  But  if 
there  is  a  bottom  to  that  abyss,  that  bottom  is  strewn  with 
human  bones.'"' 

"  Oh,  horrible  !  most  horrible  V  exclaimed  Capitola. 
"  Perhaps  you  are  afraid  to  sleep  here  by  yourself ;  if  so, 
there's  the  damp  room  " 

Oh,  no  !  oh,  no  !  I  am  not  afraid.  I  have  been  in  too 
much  deadly  peril  from  the  living  ever  to  fear  the  dead, 
No,  I  like  the  room,  with  its  strange  legend  ;  but  tell  me, 
did  that  human  devil  escape  without  punishment  from  the 
tribe  of  the  murdered  victims  T' 

Lord,  child,  how  were  they  to  know  of  what  was  done? 
There  wasn't  a  man  left  to  tell  the  tale.  Besides,  the  tribe 
was  now  brought  down  to  a  few  old  men,  women,  and 
children.  So,  when  he  showed  a  bill  of  sale  for  the  land  he 
wanted,  signed  by  the  six  braves — '  their  marks '  in  six 
blood-red  arrows,  there  was  none  to  contradict  him." 

How  was  his  villiany  found  out  ?" 

Well,  it  was  said  he  married,  had  a  family,  and  pros- 
pered for  a  long  while  ;  but  that  the  poor  Succapoos  always 
suspected  him,  and  bore  a  long  grudge,  and  that  when  the 
sons  of  the  murdered  warriors  grew  up  to  be  powerful 


THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TRAP-DOOR. 


93 


braves,  one  night  they  set  upon  the  house  and  massacred 
the  whole  family  except  the  eldest  son,  a  lad  of  ten,  who 
escaped  and  ran  away  and  gave  the  alarm  to  the  block- 
house, where  there  were  soldiers  stationed.  It  is  said  that 
after  killing  and  scalping  father,  mother,  and  children,  the 
savages  threw  the  dead  bodies  down  that  trap-door.  And 
they  had  just  set  fire  to  the  house,  and  were  dancing  their 
wild  dance  around  it,  when  the  soldiers  arrived  and  dis- 
persed the  party,  and  put  out  the  fire.^' 
Oh,  what  bloody,  bloody  days  I" 

"  Yes,  my  dear,  and  as  I  told  you  before,  if  that  horrible 
pit  7ias  any  bottom,  that  bottom  is  strewn  with  human 
skeletons 

^'It  is  an  awful  thought  " 

^^As  I  said,  my  dear,  if  you  feel  at  all  afraid  you  can 
have  another  room.'' 

"  Afraid — -what  of  ?  Those  skeletons,  supposing  them 
to  be  there,  cannot  hurt  me.  I  am  not  afraid  of  the  dead 
— I  only  dread  the  living,  and  not  them  much  either, said 
Capitola. 

Well,  my  dear,  you  will  want  a  waiting-woman,  any- 
how, and  I  think  I  will  send  Pitapat  to  wait  on  you  ;  she 
can  sleep  on  a  pallet  in  your  room,  and  be  some  company." 
"  And  who  is  Pitapat,  Mrs.  Condiment 

Pitapat  ?  Lord,  child,  she  is  the  youngest  of  the 
housemaids.  Fve  called  her  Pitapat  ever  since  she  was  a 
little  one  beginning  to  walk,  when  she  used  to  steal  away 
from  her  mother,  Dorcas,  the  cook,  and  I  would  hear  her 
little  feet  coming  pit-a-pat,  pit-a-pat  up  the  dark  stairs  up 
to  my  room.  As  it  was  often  the  only  sound  to  be  heard 
in  the  still  house,  I  grew  to  call  my  little  visitor  Pitapat." 

Then  let  me  have  Pitapat  by  all  means.  I  like  com- 
pany, especially  company  that  I  can  send  away  when  I 
choose." 

"Very  well,  my  dear,  and  now  I  think  you^d  better 
smooth  your  hair  and  come  down  with  me  to  tea,  for  it  is 


94 


THE  ROOM  OF  THE  TKAP-DOOB. 


full  time,  and  the  major,  as  you  may  know,  is  not  the  most 
patient  of  men/' 

Capitola  took  a  brush  from  her  travelling-bag,  hastily 
arranged  her  black  ringlets,  and  announced  herself  ready. 

They  left  the  room,  and  traversed  the  same  labyrinth  of 
passages,  stairs,  empty  rooms  and  halls,  back  to  the  dining- 
room,  where  a  comfortable  fire  burned  and  a  substantial 
supper  was  spread. 

Old  Hurricane  took  Capitola's  hand  witli  a  hearty 
grasp,  and  placed  her  in  a  chair  at  the  side,  and  then  took 
his  own  seat  at  the  foot  of  the  table. 

Mrs.  Condiment  sat  at  the  head  and  poured  out  the  tea. 
Uncle,"  said  Capitola,  suddenly,     what  is  under  the 
trap-door  in  my  room 

What  !  have  they  put  you  in  that  room  exclaimed 
the  old  man,  hastily  looking  up. 

There  was  no  other  one  prepared,  sir,"  said  the  house- 
keeper, 

Besides,  I  like  it  very  well,  uncle,"  said  Capitola. 

"Humph!  humph!  humph!"  grunted  the  old  man, 
only  half  satisfied. 

"  But  uncle,  what  is  under  the  trap-door  ?"  persisted 
Capitola,  "what's  under  it  ?" 

"  Oh,  I  don't  know — an  old  cave  that  was  once  used  as 
a  dry  cellar,  until  an  underground  stream  broke  through 
and  made  it  too  damp — so  it  is  said.    I  never  explored  it." 

"  But,  uncle,  what  about  the — " 

Here  Mrs.  Condiment  stretched  out  her  foot,  and  trod 
upon  the  toes  of  Capitola  so  sharply  as  to  make  her  stop 
short,  while  she  dexterously  changed  the  conversation  by 
asking  the  major  if  he  would  not  send  Wool  to  Tip-Top  in 
the  morning  for  another  bag  of  coffee. 

Soon  after  supper  was  over,  Capitola,  saying  that  she  was 
tired,  bade  her  uncle  good-night,  and,  attended  by  her  little 
black  maid  Pitapat,  whom  Mrs.  Condiment  had  called  up 
for  the  purpose,  retired  to  her  distant  chamber.  There 


THE  EOOM  OF  THE  TEAP-DOOR. 


95 


were  al read}' collected  liertliree  trunks,  which  the  liberality 
of  her  uncle  had  filled. 

As  soon  as  she  had  got  in  and  locked  the  door,  she  de- 
tached one  of  the  strongest  straps  from  her  largest  trunk, 
and  then  turned  up  the  rug  and  secured  the  end  of  the 
strap  to  the  ring  in  the  trap-door.  Then  she  withdrew  the 
holt,  and  holding  onto  one  eud  of  the  strap,  gently  lowered 
the  trap,  and  kneeling,  gazed  down  into  an  awful  black 
void — without  boundaries,  without  sight,  without  sounds, 
except  a  deep,  faint,  subterranean  roaring  as  of  water. 

Bring  the  light.  Pitapat,  and  hold  it  over  this  place, 
and  take  care  you  don't  fall  in,'' said  Capitola.  '^Come,  as 
Fve  got  a 'pit' in  my  name  and  you've  got  a  ''pit'  in 
yours,  we'll  see  if  we  two  can't  make  something  of  this 
third  'pit'!" 

'"Deed,  I'se  'fraid,  Miss,"  said  the  poor  little  darkey, 

"Afraid  !  what  of  r 

"Ghoses." 

"  Nonsense.  I'll  agree  to  lay  every  ghost  you  see  V* 
The  little  maid  approached,  candle  in  hand,  but  in  such 
g  gingerly  sort  of  way,  that  Capitola  seized  the  light  from 
her  hand,  and  stooping,  held  it  down  as  far  as  she  could 
reach,  and  gazed  once  more  into  the  abyss.  But  this  only 
made  the  horrible  darkness  "  visible;"  no  object  caught  or 
reflected  a  single  ray  of  light — all  was  hlack,  hollow,  void 
and  silent,  except  the  faint,  deep,  distant  roaring  as  of 
subterraneous  water  ! 

Capitola  pushed  the  light  as  far  down  as  she  could 
possibly  reach,  and  then  yielding  to  a  strange  fascination, 
dropt  it  into  the  abyss  I  It  went  down,  down,  down  into 
the  darkness,  until  far  below  it  glimmered  out  of  sight  I 
Then  with  an  awful  shudder  Capitola  pulled  up  and  fastened 
the  trap-door,  laid  down  the  rug  and  said  her  prayers,  and 
went  to  bed  by  the  fire-light, — with  little  Pitapat  sleeping 
on  a  palleto  The  last  thought  of  Cap,  before  falling  to 
sleep,  was  : 


06      A  MYSTERY  ANt>  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 

"  It  is  awful  to  go  to  bed  over  such  a  horrible  mystery; 
but  I  will  be  a  hero  \" 


CHAPTER  XI. 

A  MYSTERY  AlfD  A  STORM  AT  HUERIOANE  HALL. 

**  Bid  her  address  her  prayers  to  Heaven  I 
Learn  if  she  there  may  be  forgiven ; 
It's  mercy  may  absolve  her  yet  I 
But  here  upon  this  earth  beneath, 
There  is  no  spot  where  she  and  I 
Together  for  an  hour  could  breathe  1"     — Byeon. 

Early  the  next  morning  Oapitola  arose,  made  her 
toilet,  and  went  out  to  explore  the  outer  walls  of  her 
part  of  the  old  house,  to  discover,  if  possible,  some  external 
entrance  into  the  unknown  cavity  under  her  room.  It  was 
a  bright,  cheerful,  healthy,  autumnal  morning,  well 
adapted  to  dispel  all  clouds  of  mystery  and  superstition. 
Heaps  of  crimson  and  golden-hued  leaves,  glimmering 
with  hoar  frost,  lay  drifted  against  the  old  walls,  and  when 
these  were  brushed  away  by  the  busy  feet  and  hands  of  the 
young  girl,  they  revealed  nothing  but  the  old  moldering 
foundation ;  not  a  vestige  of  a  cellar-door  or  window  was 
visible. 

Capitola  abandoned  the  fruitless  search,  and  turned  to 
go  into  the  house.    And  saying  to  herself  : 

ril  think  no  more  of  it  !  I  dare  say,  after  all, 
it  is  nothing  but  a  very  dark  cellar  without  window  and 
with  a  well,  and  the  story  of  the  murders  and  of  the  skele- 
tons, is  all  moonshine  !"  She  ran  into  the  dining-room, 
and  took  her  seat  at  the  breakfast  table. 

Old  Hurricane  was  just  tlien  storming  away  at  his  fac- 
totum Wool  for  some  misdemeanor,  the  nature  of  which 


L  MYSTERY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL.  97 

Oapitola  did  not  liear^  for  upon  her  appearance,  lie  suffered 
his  wrath  to  subside  in  a  few  reverberating  low  thunders, 
gave  his  ward  a  grumphy  Good-morning/'  and  sat  down 
to  his  breakfast. 

After  breakfast  Old  Hurricane  took  his  great  coat  and 
cocked  hat,  and  stormed  forth  upon  the  plantation  to  blow 
up  his  lazy  overseer,  Mr.  Will  Ezy,  and  his  idle  negroes, 
who  had  loitered  or  frolicked  away  all  the  days  of  their 
master^s  absence. 

Mrs.  Condiment  went  away  to  mix  a  plum  pudding  for 
dinner  and  Cap  was  left  alone. 

After  wandering  through  the  lower  rooms  of  the  house, 
the  stately  old-fashioned  drawing-room,  the  family  parlor, 
the  dining-room,  etc..  Cap  found  her  way  through  all  the 
narrow  back  passages  and  steep  little  stair-cases  back  to 
her  own  chamber. 

The  chamber  looked  quite  different  by  daylight — the 
cheerful  wood  fire  burning  in  the  chimney  right  before 
her,  opposite  the  door  by  which  she  entered  ;  the  crimson 
curtained  bedstead  on  her  right  hand  ;  the  crimson  draped 
windows,  with  the  rich  old  mahogany  bureau  and  dressing- 
glass  standing  between  them,  on  her  left;  the  polished, 
dark  oak  floor ;  the  rich  Turkey  rug,  concealing  the  trap- 
door ;  the  comfortable  rocking-chair  ;  the  new  workstand  ; 
placed  there  for  her  use  that  morning,  and  her  own  well 
filled  trunks  standing  in  the  corners,  looked  altogether  too 
cheerful  to  associate  with  dark  thoughts. 

Besides,  Capitola  had  not  the  least  particle  of  gloom, 
superstition  or  marvelousness  in  her  disposition.  She  loved 
old  houses  and  old  legends  well  enough  to  enjoy  them ;  but 
was  not  sufficiently  credulous  to  believe,  or  cowardly  to 
fear,  them. 

She  had,  besides,  a  pleasant  morning's  occupation  be- 
fore her,  in  unpacking  her  three  trunks  and  arranging  her 
wardrobe  and  her  possessions,  which  were  all  upon  the 
most  liberal  scale,  for  Major  Warfield  at  every  city  where 


98      A  MYSTERY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 


they  had  stopped  had  given  his  poor  Yittle  protegee  a  virtual 
carte  dla^iche  for  purchases,  having  said  to  her  : 

Capitola,  Fm  an  old  bachelor  ;  I've  not  the  least  idea 
what  a  young  girl  requires ;  [all  I  know  is,  that  you  have 
nothing  hut  your  clothes,  and  must  want  sewing  and  knit- 
ting needles,  and  brushes  and  scissors,  and  combs  and  boxes 
and  smelling-bottles  and  tooth-powder ;  and  such.  So 
come  along  with  me  to  one  of  those  Vanity  Fairs  they  call 
fancy  stores,  and  get  what  you  want ;  Fll  foot  the  bill." 

And  Oapitola,  who  firmly  believed  that  she  had  the 
most  sacred  of  claims  upon  Major  Warfield,  whose  resources 
she  also  supposed  to  be  unlimited,  did  not  fail  to  indulge 
her  taste  for  rich  and  costly  toys,  and  supplied  herself  with 
a  large  ivory  dressing-case,  lined  with  velvet,  and  fur- 
nished with  ivory-handled  combs  and  brushes,  silver  boxes 
and  crystal  bottles  ;  a  papier  mache  workbox,  with  gold 
thimble,  needle-case  and  perforator  and  gold-mounted 
scissors  and  winders  ;  and  an  ebony  writing-desk,  with  sil- 
ver-mounted crystal  standishes ;  each  of  these — boxes  and 
desk — were  filled  with  all  things  requisite  in  the  several 
departments.  And  now  as  Capitola  unpacked  them  and 
arranged  them  upon  the  top  of  the  bureau,  it  was  with  no 
small  degree  of  appreciation.  The  rest  of  the  forenoon 
was  spent  in  arranging  the  best  articles  of  her  wardrobe  in 
her  bureau  drawers. 

Having  locked  the  remainder  in  her  trunks,  and  care- 
fully smoothed  her  hair,  and  dressed  herself  in  a  brown 
merino,  she  went  down  stairs  and  sought  out  Mrs.  Condi- 
ment, whom  she  found  in  the  housekeeper's  little  room, 
and  to  whom  she  said  : 

^'Now,  Mrs.  Condiment,  if  uncle  has  any  needlework 
wanted  to  be  done,  any  buttons  to  be  sewed  on,  or  anything 
of  the  kind,  just  let  me  have  it ;  I'm  just  dying  to  use  it !" 

"  My  dear  Miss  Black  " 

Please  to  call  me  Capitola,  or  even  Cap.    I  never  was 


A  MYSTERY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL.  99 


called  Miss  Black  in  my  life,  until  I  came  here,  and  I  don't 
like  it  at  all  V 

^' Well  then,  my  dear  Miss  Cap,  I  wish  you  would  wait 
till  to-morrow,  for  I  just  came  in  here  in  a  great  hurry  to 
get  a  glass  of  brandy  out  of  the  cupboard  to  put  in  the 
sauce  for  the  plum-pudding,  as  dinner  will  be  on  the  table 
in  ten  minutes." 

With  a  shrug  of  her  little  shoulders,  Capitola  left  the 
housekeeper's  room,  and  hurried  through  the  central  front 
hall  and  out  at  the  front  door,  to  look  about  and  breathe  the 
fresh  air  for  a  while. 

As  she  stepped  upon  the  front  piazza  she  saw  Major  . 
Warfield  walking  up  the  steep  lawn,  followed  by  Wool, 
leading  a  pretty,  mottled,  iron-gray  pony,  with  a  side-saddle 
on  his  back. 

Ah,  I'm  glad  you're  down.  Cap  !  Come  !  look  at  this 
pretty  pony  !  he  is  good  for  nothing  as  a  working  horse, 
and  is  too  light  to  carry  my  weight,  and  so  I  intend  to  give 
him  to  you  !  You  must  learn  to  ride,"  said  the  old  man, 
coming  up  the  steps. 

Give  him  to  me  !  I  learn  to  ride  !  Oh,  uncle  !  Oh, 
uncle  !  I  slmll  go  perfectly  crazy  with  joy  \"  exclaimed  Cap., 
dancing  and  clapping  her  bands  with  delight. 

''^Oh,  well,  a  tumble  or  two  in  learning  will  bring  you 
back  to  your  senses,  I  reckon  !" 

Oh,  uncle  !  oh,  uncle  !  when  shall  I  begin  \" 

^^You  shall  take  your  first  tumble  immediately  after 
dinner,  when,  being  well-filled,  you  will  not  be  so  brittle 
and  apt  to  break  in  falling  V 

•'^  Oh,  uncle  !  I  shall  not  fall !    I  feel  I  sha'n't  !   I  feel 
I've  a  natural  gift  for  holding  on  V 

"  Come,  come,  get  in  !  get  in  !  I  want  my  dinner  !" 
said  Old  Hurricane,  driving  his  ward  in  before  him  to  the 
dining-room,  where  the  dinner  was  smoking  upon  the 
table.  * 


100    A  MYSTERY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 

After  dinner  Cap  ,  with  Wool  for  a  riding-master,  took 
her  first  lesson  in  equestrianism. 

She  had  the  four  great  requisites  for  forming  a  good 
rider — a  well-adapted  figure,  a  fondness  for  the  exercise, 
perfect  fearlessness  and  presence  of  mind.  She  was  not  once 
in  danger  of  losing  her  seat,  and  during  that  single  after- 
noon's exercises,  she  make  considerable  progress  in  learning 
to  manage  her  steed. 

Old  Hurricane,  whom  the  genial  autumn  afternoon  had 
tempted  out  to  smoke  his  pipe  in  his  arm-chair  on  the 
porch,  was  a  pleased  spectator  of  her  performances,  and 
expressed  his  opinion  that  in  time  she  would  become  the 
best  rider  in  the  neighborhood,  and  that  she  should  have 
the  best  riding-dress  and  cap  that  could  be  made  at  Tip- 
Top. 

Just  now,  in  lack  of  an  equestrian  dress,  poor  Cap  was 
parading  around  and  around  tlie  lawn  with  her  head  bare 
and  her  hair  flying,  and  her  merino  skirt  exhibiting  more 
ankles  than  grace. 

It  was  while  Old  Hurricane  still  sat  smoking  his  pipe 
and  making  his  comments,  and  Capitola  still  ambled  around 
and  around  the  lawn,  that  a  horseman  suddenly  appeared 
galloping  as  fast  as  the  steep  nature  of  the  ground  would 
admit,  up  towards  the  house,  and  before  they  could  form 
an  idea  of  who  he  was,  the  horse  was  at  the  block,  and  the 
rider  dismounted  and  standing  before  Major  Warfield. 

Why,  Herbert,  my  boy  !  back  so  soon !  We  didn't 
expect  you  for  a  week  to  come  I  This  is  sudden,  indeed  ! 
So  much  the  better !  so  much  the  better  !  Glad  to  see  you, 
lad  V  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane,  getting  up  and  heartily 
shaking  the  hand  of  his  nephew.  * 

Capitola  came  ambling  up,  and  in  the  effort  to  spring 
nimbly  from  her  saddle,  tumbled  off,  much  to  the  delight 
of  Wool,  who  grinned  from  ear  to  ear,  and  of  Old  Hurri- 
cane, who,  with  an  '^1  said  so,''  burst  into  a  roar  of 
laughter. 


A  MTSTEEY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL.  101 


Herbert  Greyson  sprang  to  assist  her ;  but  before  lie 
reached  the  spot.  Cap  had  picked  herself  up,  straightened 
her  disordered  dress,  and  now  she  ran  to  meet  and  shake 
hands  with  him. 

There  was  such  a  sparkle  of  joy  and  glow  of  affection  in 
the  meeting  between  these  two,  that  Old  Hurricane,  who 
saw  it,  suddenly  hushed  his  laugh,  and  grunted  to  himself: 
Humph,  humph,  humph  !  I  like  that ;  that^s  better 
than  I  could  have  planned  it  myself ;  let  that  go  on,  and 
then,  Gabe  Le  N'oir,  we^ll  see  under  what  name  and  head 
the  old  divided  manor  will  be  held  \" 

Before  his  mental  soliloquy  was  concluded,  Herbert  and 
Capitola  came  up  to  him.  He  welcomed  Herbert  again 
with  great  cordiality,  and  then  called  to  his  man  to  put  up 
the  horses,  and  bade  the  young  people  follow  him  into  the 
house,  as  the  air  was  getting  chilly. 

"And  how  did  you  find  your  good  friends,  lad 
inquired  Old  Hurricane,  when  they  had  reached  the  sitting 
parlor. 

"  Oh,  very  well,  sir  ;  and  very  grateful  for  your  offered 
kindness  ;  and,  indeed,  so  anxious  to  express  their  grati- 
tude, that — ^that  I  shortened  my  visit,  and  came  away 
immediately  to  tell  you.'^ 

"  Eight,  lad,  right !    You  come  by  the  down  coach 
"  Yes,  sir ;  and  got  off  at  Tip -Top,  where  I  hired  a 
horse  to  bring  me  here.    I  must  ask  you  to  let  one  of  your 
men  take  him  back  to  Mr.  Merry,  at  the  Antlers'  Inn, 
to-morrow.-'^ 

"Surely,  surely,  lad  !    Wool  shall  do  it  V' 
"  And  so,  Herbert,  the  poor  v/oman  was  delighted  with 
the  prospect  of  better  times  ?"  said  Old  Hurricane,  with  a 
little  glow  of  benevolent  self-satisfaction. 

"  Oh,  yes,  sir  !  delighted  beyond  all  measure 
"  Poor  thing  I  poor  thing  !    See,  young  folks,  how  easy 
it  is  for  the  wealthy,  by  sparing  a  little  of  their  superfluous 


102    A  MYSTERY   AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 

means,  to  make  the  poor  and  yirtuous  happy.  And  the 
boy,  Herbert,  the  boy 

*'0h,  sir!  delighted  for  himself,  but  still  more 
delighted  for  his  mother  ;  for  her  joy  was  such  as  to  aston- 
ish and  even  alarm  me  !    Before,  that,  I  had  thought 

Marah  Rocke  a  proud  woman,  but  " 

What — say  that  again     exclaimed  Major  Warfield. 

^^I  say  that  I  thought  she  was  a  proud  woman, 
but  " 

'^Thought  WHO  was  a  proud  woman,  sir  T'  roared  Old 
Hurricane. 

Marah  Eocke     replied  the  young  man,  with  wonder. 

Major  Warfield  started  up,  seized  the  chair  upon  which 
he  had  sat,  and  struck  it  upon  the  ground  with  such  force 
as  to  shatter  it  to  pieces  ;  then  turning,  he  strode  up  and 
down  the  floor  with  such  violence  that  the  two  young  peo- 
ple gazed  after  him  in  consternation  and  fearful  expec- 
tancy. Presently  he  turned  suddenly,  strode  up  to  Her- 
bert Greyson,  and  stood  before  him. 

His  face  was  purple,  his  veins  swollen  until  they  stood 
out  upon  his  forehead  like  cords,  his  eyes  were  protruded 
and  glaring,  his  mouth  clenched  until  the  grizzly  grey 
moustache  and  beard  were  drawn  in,  his  whole  huge  frame 
was  quivering  from  head  to  foot  I  It  was  impossible  to  tell 
what  passion — whether  rage,  grief,  or  shame,  the  most 
possessed  him,  for  all  three  seemed  tearing  his  giant  frame 
to  pieces. 

For  an  instant  he  stood  speechless,  and  Herbert  feared 
he  would  fall  into  a  fit ;  but  the  old  giant  was  too  strong 
for  that !  For  one  short  moment  he  stood  thus,  and  in  a 
terrible  voice  he  asked  : 

Young  man  !  did  you — did  you  know — the  shame 
that  you  dashed  into  my  face,  with  the  name  of  that 
woman  ?" 

Sir,  I  know  nothing  but  that  she  is  the  best  and 


A  MYSTERY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL.  103 

dearest  of  her  sex  ?'  exclaimed  Herbert,  beyond  all  measure 
amazed  at  what  he  heard  and  saw. 

Best  and  dearest  V'  thundered  the  old  man — oh, 
idiot  !  is  she  still  a  siren,  and  are  you  a  dupe  ?  But  that 
cannot  be  !  No,  sir !  it  is  I  whom  you  hoth  would  dupe  ! 
Ah,  I  see  it  all  now  !  This  is  why  you  artfully  concealed 
her  name  from  me  until  you  had  won  my  promise  !  It 
shall  not  serve  either  you  or  her,  sir  !  I  break  my  promise 
— thus  !'■' — bending  and  snapping  his  own  cane,  and  fling- 
ing the  fragments  behind  his  back — there,  sir  !  when  you 
can  make  those  ends  of  dry  cedar  grow  together  again,  and 
bear  green  leaves,  you  may  hope  to  reconcile  Ira  Warfield 
and  Marah  Eocke !  I  break  my  promise  sir,  as  s7ie 
broke—'' 

The  old  man  suddenly  sunk  back  into  the  nearest  chair, 
dropped  his  shaggy  head  and  face  into  his  hands,  and  re- 
mained trembling  from  head  to  foot,  while  the  convulsive 
heaving  of  his  chest,  and  the  rising  and  falling  of  his  huge 
shoulders,  betrayed  that  his  heart  was  nearly  bursting  with 
such  suppressed  sobs  as  only  can  be  forced  from  manhood 
by  the  fiercest  anguish. 

The  young  people  looked  on  in  wonder,  awe  and  pity  ; 
and  then  their  eyes  met — those  of  Herbert  silently  in- 
quired : 

What  can  all  this  mean  — Those  of  Capitola  as 
mutely  answered  : 

Heaven  only  knows." 
In  his  deep  pity  for  the  old  man's  terrible  anguish,  Her- 
bert could  feel  no  shame  nor  resentment  for  the  false  accu- 
sation made  upon  himself.  Indeed,  his  noble  and  candid 
nature  easily  explained  all  as  the  ravings  of  some  heart-rend- 
ing remembrance.  Waiting,  therefore,  until  the  violent 
convulsions  of  the  old  man's  frame  had  somewhat  subsided, 
Herbert  went  to  him,  and  with  a  low  and  respectful  inton- 
ation of  voice,  said  : 

''Uncle,  if  you  think  that  there  was  any  collusion  be- 


104:  A  MYSTERY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HtJRRIOANE  HALL. 

tween  myself  and  Mrs.  Eocke,  you  wrong  us  both.  You 
will  remember  that  when  I  met  you  in  New  York,  I  had 
not  seen  or  heard  from  her  for  years,  nor  had  I  then  any 
expectation  of  ever  seeing  you.  The  subject  of  the  poor 
widow  came  up  between  us  accidentally,  and  if  it  is  true 
that  I  omitted  to  call  her  by  name,  it  must  have  been  becanse 
we  both  then  felt  too  tenderly  by  her  to  call  her  anything 
else  but  *  the  poor  widow,  the  poor  mother,  the  good 
woman,^  and  so  on — and  all  this  she  is  still/^ 

The  old  man  without  raising  his  head,  held  out  one 
hand  to  his  nephew,  saying  in  a  voice  still  trembling  Avith 
emotion : 

"  Herbert,  I  wronged  you  ;  forgive  me."*^ 
Herbert  took  and  pressed  that  rugged  and  hairy  old 
hand  to  his  lips,  and  said  : 

Uncle,  I  do  not  in  the  least  know  what  is  the  cause  of 

your  present  emotion,  but  " 

Emotion  !  demmy,  sir  !  what  do  you  mean  by  emotion? 
Am  7  a  man  to  give  way  to  emotion  ?  Demmy,  sir,  mind 
what  you  say  V'  roared  the  old  lion,  getting  up  and  shak- 
ing himself  free  of  all  weaknesses. 

"  I  merely  meant  to  say,  sir,  that  if  I  could  possibly  be 
of  any  service  to  you,  I  am  entirely  at  your  orders. 

"  Then  go  back  to  that  woman  and  tell  her  never  to 
dare  to  utter,  or  even  to  tMnh  my  name  again,  if  she  val- 
ues her  life  \" 

"  Sir,  you  do  not  mean  it !  and  as  for  Mrs.  Eoeke,  she 
is  a  good  woman  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  uphold  \" 

Good  !  ugh  !  ugh  !  ugh  !  Til  command  myself  !  I^'ll 
not  give  way  again.  Good  !  ah,  lad,  it  is  quite  plain  to  me 
now,  that  you  are  an  innocent  dupe.  Tell  me,  now,  for 
instance,  do  you  know  anything  of  that  woman's  life, 
before  she  came  to  reside  at  Staunton 

Nothing  ;  but  from  what  Fve  seen  of  her  since,  I'm 
sure  she  always  was  good.'' 

Did  she  never  mention  her  former  life  at  all  T' 


A  MYSTEEY  AND  A  STOEM  AT  HURKICANB  HALL.  105 

^'ISTeyer  ;  but,  mind  !  I  hold  to  my  faith  in  her  aod 
would  stake  my  salvation  on  her  integrity/-'  said  Herbert, 
warmly. 

''Then  you'd  lose  it,  lad,  that's  all;  but  I  have  an 
explanation  to  make  to  you,  Herbert.  You  must  give  me 
a  minute  or  two  of  your  company  alone,  in  the  library, 
before  tea." 

And  so  saying.  Major  Warfield  arose  and  led  the  way 
across  the  hall  to  the  library,  that  was  immediately  back  of 
the  drawing-room. 

Throwing  himself  into  a  leathern  chair  beside  the  writ- 
ing table,  he  motioned  for  his  companion  to  take  the  one 
on  the  opposite  side.  A  low  fire  smoldering  on  the  hearth 
before  them,  so  dimly  lighted  the  room,  that  the  young 
man  arose  again  to  pull  the  bell  rope  ;  but  the  other  inter- 
rupted with  : 

''ISTo,  you  need  not  ring  for  lights,  Herbert  :  my  story 
is  one  that  should  be  told  in  the  dark  I  listen,  lad  ;  but 
drop  your  eyes,  the  while  V 

''  I  am  all  attention,  sir  P' 

"Herbert !  the  poet  says,  that  : 

'  At  thii'ty  man  suspects  himself  a  fool, 
Knows  it  at  forty  and  reforms  his  rule.' 

But  boy,  at  the  ripe  age  of  forty-five,  I  succeeded  in  achiev- 
ing the  most  sublime  folly  of  my  life  !  I  should  have 
taken  a  degree  in  madness,  and  been  raised  to  a  professor's 
chair  in  some  College  of  Lunacy  !  Herbert,  at  the  age  of 
forty-five  I  fell  in  love  with  and  married  a  girl  of  sixteen, 
out  of  a  log  cabin  !  merely  forsooth,  because  she  had  a 
pretty  skin  like  the  leaf  of  the  white  japonica,  soft,  gray 
eyes  like  a  timid  fawn's  and  a  voice  like  a  cooing  turtle 
dove's  !  because  those  delicate  cheeks  flushed,  and  those 
soft  eyes  fell  when  I  spoke  to  her,  and  the  cooing  voice 
trembled  when  she  replied  I  because  the  d.elicate  face 


106    A  MYSTEEY  AND  A  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 

brightened  when  I  came^  and  faded  when  I  turned  away  I 
because 

*  She  wept  with  delight  when  I  gave  her  a  smile, 
And  trembled  with  fear  at  my  frown,'  etc. 

Because  she  adored  me  as  a  sort  of  god,  I  loved  her  as  an 
angel,  and  married  her  !  married  her  secretly  !  for  fear  of 
the  ridicule  of  my  brother  officers,  put  her  in  a  pastoral 
log-cabin  in  the  woods  below  the  block-house,  and  visited 
her  there  by  stealth,  like  Numa  did  his  nymph  in  the 
cave  !  But  I  was  watched,  my  hidden  treasure  was  discov- 
ered— and  coveted  by  a  younger  and  prettier  fellow  than 

myself  Perdition  !    I  cannot  tell  this  story  in  detail ! 

Oue  night  I  came  home  very  late  and  quite  unexpectedly, 
and  found — this  man  in  my  wife^s  cabin  !  I  broke  the 
man^s  head  and  ribs  and  left  him  for  dead.  I  tore  the 
woman  out  of  my  heart  and  cauterized  its  bleeding  wounds  ! 
—•This  man  was  Gabriel  Le  ISFoir  !  Satan  burn  him  forever  ! 
— This  woman  was  Marah  Kocke,  God  forgive  her  !  I  could 
have  divorced  the  woman,  but  as  I  did  not  dream  of  ever 
marrying  again,  I  did  not  care  to  drag  my  shame  before  a 
public  tribunal.  There  !  you  know  all !  let  the  subject  sink 
forever  said  Old  Hurricane,  wiping  great  drops  of  sweat 
from  his  laboring  brows. 

Uncle  !  I  have  heard  your  story  and  believe  you,  of 
course  !  But  I  am  bound  to  tell  you,  that  without .  even 
having  heard  your  poor  wife^s  defence,  I  believe,  and  ujjJiold 
her  to  le  innocent!  I  think  you  have  been  as  grossly 
deceived  as  she  has  been  fearfully  wronged  !  and  that  time 
and  providence  will  prove  this  V  exclaimed  Herbert,  fer- 
vently. 

A  horrible  laugh  of  scorn  was  his  only  answer,  as  Old 
Hurricane  arose,  shook  himself  and  led  the  way  back  to 
the  parlor. 


MAEAh's  DBEAilS. 


107 


CHAPTER  XII. 

maeah's  dreams. 

"  And  now  her  narrow  kitchen  walls 
Stretched  away  into  stately  halls  ; 
The  weary  wheel  to  a  spinnet  turned, 
The  tallow  candle  an  astral  burned ; 
A  manly  form  at  her  side  she  saw, 
And  joy  was  duty  and  love  was  law.  — "WHirnER. 

0:s"  the  same  Saturday  morning  that  Herbert  Greyson 
hurried  away  from  his  friend's  cottage^  to  travel  post  to 
Hurricane  Hall,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  accelerating  the 
coming  of  her  good  fortune,  Marah  Eocke  walked  about 
the  house  "with  a  step  so  liglit,  with  eyes  so  bright,  and 
ch.eeks  so  blooming,  that  one  might  have  thought  that 
years  had  rolled  backward  in  their  course  and  made  her  a 
young  girl  again  ! 

Traverse  gazed  upon  her  in  delight.  Reversing  the 
words  of  the  text,  he  said  : 

"  We  must  call  you  no  longer  Marali,  (which,  is  bitter.) 
but  we  must  call  you  Naomi,  (which  is  beautiful.)  mother  I'^ 
Young  flatterer  I'^  she  answered,  smiling  and  slightly 
flushing.    "  But  tell  me  truly.  Traverse,  am  I  very  much 
faded  ?  have  care,  and  toil,  and  grief  made  me  look  old  ?"' 

You  !  old  I*'  exclaimed  the  boy,  running  his  eyes  over 
her  beaming  face  and  graceful  form  with  a  look  of  non- 
comprehension  that  might  have  satisfied  her,  but  did  not, 
for  she  immediately  repeated  : 

^'  Yes,  do  I  look  old  ?  Indeed,  I  do  not  ask  from  van- 
ity, child  !  Ah,  it  little  becomes  me  to  be  vain ;  but  I  do 
wish  to  look  well  in  some  one's  eyes  \" 

"  I  wish  there  was  a  looking-glass  in  the  house,  mother, 


108 


makah's  dreams. 


that  it  might  tell  you,  you  should  be  called  ]S"aomi,  instead 
of  Marah  V 

Ah  !  that  is  just  what  7ie  used  to  say  to  me  in  the  old 
happy  time, — the  time  in  Paradise,  before  the  serpent 
entered  V 

'^What  ^he,'  mother  r 

Your  father,  boy,  of  course  V 
That  was  the  first  time  she  had  ever  mentioned  his 
father  to  her  son,  and  now  she  spoke  of  him  with  such  a 
flush  of  joy  and  hope,  that  even  while  her  words  referred 
darkly  to  the  past,  her  eyes  looked  brightly  to  the  future  ! 
All  this,  taken  with  the  events  of  the  preceding  evening, 
greatly  bewildered  the  mind  of  Traverse,  and  agitated  him 
with  the  v/ildest  conjectures. 

Mother,  will  you  tell  me  about  my  father,  and  also 
what  it  is  beyond  this  promised  kindness  of  Major  Warfield 
that  has  made  you  so  happy  I"  he  asked. 

Not  now,  my  boy  !  dear  boy,  not  now  !  I  must  not,  I 
cannot,  I  dare  not  yet !  Wait  a  few  days  and  you  shall 
know  all !  Oh,  it  is  hard  to  keep  a  secret  from  my  boy  ! 
but  then  it  is  not  only  my  secret,  but  another's  !  You  do 
not  think  hard  of  me  for  withholding  it  now,  do  you  Trav- 
erse     she  asked,  affectionately. 

No,  dear  mother,  of  course  I  don't.  I  know  you  must 
be  right,  and  I  am  glad  to  see  you  happy." 

Happy  !  Oh,  boy,  you  don't  know  how  happy  I  am  ! 
I  did  not  think  any  human  being  could  ever  feel  so  joyful 
in  this  erring  world,  much  less  I !  One  cause  of  this  excess 
of  joyful  feeling  must  be  from  the  contrast !  else  it  were 
dreadful  to  be  so  happy  I" 

Mother,  I  don't  know  what  you  mean,'^  said  Traverse, 
uneasily,  for  he  was  too  young  to  understand  these  para- 
doxes of  feeling  and  thought,  and  there  were  moments  when 
he  feared  for  his  mother's  reason. 

Oh,  Traverse,  think  of  it  !  eighteen  long,  long  years 
of  estrangement,  sorrow,  and  dreadful  suspense  I  eighteen 


maeah's  dreams. 


109 


long,  long,  weary  years  of  patience  against  anger,  and  loving 
against  hatred,  and  hoping  against  despair !  your  yonng 
mind  cannot  grasp  it — your  very  life  is  not  so  long.  I  was 
seventeen  then  ;  I  am  thirty-five  now.  And  after  wasting 
all  my  young  years  of  womanhood  in  loving,  hoping,  long- 
ing— lo  !  the  light  of  life  has  dawned  at  last."'^ 

God  save  you,  mother!'-'  said  the  boy,  fervently,  for 
her  wild,  unnatural  joy  continued  to  augment  his  anxiety. 

Ah,  Traverse,  I  dare  not  tell  you  the  secret  now,  and 
yet  I  am  always  letting  it  out ;  because  my  heart  overflows 
from  its  fulness.  Ah,  boy,  many,  many  weary  nights  have 
I  lain  awake  from  grief  ;  but  last  night  I  lay  awake  from 
joy.    Think  of  it.'' 

The  boy's  only  reply  to  this  was  a  deep  sigh.  He  was 
becoming  seriously  alarmed. 

never  saw  her  so  excited.    I  wish  she  would  get 
calm,"  was  his  secret  thought. 

Then,  with  the  design  of  changing  the  current  of  her 
ideas,  he  took  off  his  coat,  and  said  : 

^'Mother,  my  pocket  is  half  torn  out,  and  though 
there's  no  danger  of  my  losing  a  great  deal  out  of  it,  still 
ril  get  you,  please,  to  sew  it  in  while  I  mend  the  fence." 

Sew  the  pocket  !  mend  the  fence  !  Well,"  smiled 
Mrs.  Eocke,  ''we'll  do  so,  if  it  will  amuse  you.  The  men- 
ded fence  will  be  a  convenience  to  the  next  tenant,  and  the 
patched  coat  will  do  for  some  poor  boy.  Ah,  Traverse,  we 
must  be  very  good  to  the  poor,  in  more  ways  than  in  giving 
them  what  we  do  not  ourselves  need,  for  we  shall  know 
what  it  is  to  have  been  poor,"  she  concluded,  in  more 
serious  tones  than  she  had  yet  used. 

Traverse  was  glad  of  this,  and  went  out  to  his  work 
feeling  somewhat  better  satisfied. 

This  delirium  of  happiness  lasted  intermittently  a  whole 
week,  during  the  last  three  days  of  which  Mrs.  Eocke  was 
constantly  going  to  the  door  and  looking  up  the  road,  as  if 
expecting  some  one.   The  mail  came  from  Tip-Top  to 


110 


maeah's  dreams. 


Staunton  only  once  a  week,  on  Saturday  mornings. 
Therefore,  when  Saturday  came  again,  she  sent  her  son  to 
the  j)ost  office,  saying  : 

"  If  they  do  not  come  to-day,  they  will  surely  write.  ■'^ 

Traverse  hastened  with  all  his  speed,  and  got  there  so 
soon  that  he  had  to  wait  for  the  mail  to  be  opened. 

Meanwhile,  at  home,  the  widow  walked  the  floor  in  rest- 
less, joyous  anticipation,  or  went  to  the  door  and  strained 
her  eyes  up  the  road  to  watch  for  Traverse,  and  perhaps  for 
some  one  else^s  coming.  At  last  she  discerned  her  son,  who 
came  down  the  road,  walking  rapidly,  smiling  triumphant- 
ly, and  holding  a  letter  up  to  view. 

She  ran  out  of  the  gate  to  meet  him,  seized  and  kissed 
the  letter,  and  then,  with  her  face  burning,  her  heart  pal- 
pitating, and  her  fingers  trembling,  she  hastened  into  the 
house,  threw  herself  into  the  little  low  chair  by  the  fire, 
and  opened  the  letter.  It  was  from  Herbert,  and  read 
thus  : 

HuRRiCAKE  Hall,  !Nov.  30th,  1843. 

My  Dearest  ai5"d  Best  Mrs.  Eocke  :  —  May  God 
strengthen  you  to  read  the  few  bitter  lines  I  have  to  write. 
Most  unhappily.  Major  Warfield  did  not  know  exactly  who 
you  were,  when  he  promised  so  much.  Upon  learning  your 
name  he  withdrew  all  his  promises.  At  night,  in  his  library,, 
he  told  me  all  your  early  history.  Having  heard  all,  the 
very  worst,  I  believe  you  as  pure  as  an  angel.  So  I  told  him. 
So  I  would  uphold  with  my  life,  and  seal  with  my  death. 
Trust  yet  in  God,  and  believe  in  the  earnest  respect  and 
affection  of  your  grateful  and  attached  son. 

Herbert  Gretsok. 

P.  S. — For  henceforth  I  shall  call  you  mother. 

Quietly  she  finished  reading,  pressed  the  letter  again  to 
her  lips,  reached  it  to  the  fire,  saw  it,  like  her  hopes, 
shrivel  up  to  ashes,  and  then  she  arose,  and  with  her 


makah's  dkeams. 


Ill 


trembling  fingers  clinging  together,  walked  up  and  down 
the  floor. 

There  were  no  tears  in  her  eyes,  but  oh,  such  a  look  of 
unutterable  woe  on  her  pale,  blank,  despairing  face. 

Traverse  watched  her,  and  saw  that  something  had  gone 
frightfully  wrong ;  that  some  awful  revolution  of  fate  or 
revulsion  of  feeling  had  passed  over  her  in  this  dread  hour. 

Cautiously  he  approached  her,  gently  he  laid  his  hand 
upon  her  shoulder,  tenderly  he  whispered  : 
Mother  V 

She  turued  and  looked  strangely  at  him,  then  exclaim- 
ing : 

Oh,  Traverse,  how  happy  I  was  this  day  week  V'  She 
burst  into  a  flood  of  tears. 

Traverse  threw  his  arm  around  his  mother^s  waist,  and 
haK-coaxed  and  half-bore  her  to  her  low  chair,  and  sat  her 
in  it,  and  knelt  by  her  side ;  and  embracing  her  fondh^, 
whispered  : 

Mother,  don^t  weep  so  bitterly.  You  have  me,  am  / 
nothing  ?  Mother,  /  love  you  more  than  son  ever  loved 
his  mother,  or  suitor  his  sweetheart,  or  husband  his  wife. 
Oh,  is  my  love  nothing,  mother 

Only  sobs  answered  him. 
Mother, he  pleaded,  ''you  are  all  the  world  to  me — 
let  me  be  all  the  world  to  you.    I  can  be  it,  mother, — I 
can  be  it ;  try  me.    I  will  make  every  effort  for  my  mother, 
and  the  Lord  will  bless  us." 

Still  no  answer  but  convulsive  sobs. 

''  Oh,  mother,  mother,  I  will  try  to  do  for  you  more 
than  ever  son  did  for  mother,  or  man  for  woman  before, 
dear  mother,  if  you  will  not  break  my  heart  by  weeping 
so/' 

The  sobbing  abated  a  little,  partly  from  exhaustion  and 
partly  from  the  soothing  influences  of  the  boy's  loving 
words. 

Listen,  dear  mother,  what  I  will  do.    In  the  olden 


112 


marah's  dreams. 


times  of  chivalry,  young  knights  bound  themselves  by 
sacred  vows  to  the  service  of  some  lady,  and  labored  long 
and  perilously  in  her  honor ;  for  her,  blood  was  spilt — for 
her,  fields  were  won ;  but,  mother,  never  yet  toiled  knight 
in  the  battle-field  for  his  lady-love  as  I  will,  in  the  battle 
of  life,  for  my  dearest  lady — my  own  mother/^ 

She  reached  out  her  hand,  and  silently  pressed  his. 

"  Come,  come,^'  said  Traverse—^ ^  lift  up  your  head  and 
smile  !  We  are  young  yet,  both  you  and  I !  for  after  all 
you  are  not  much  older  than  your  son  !  and  we  two  will 
journey  up  and  down  the  hills  of  life  together — all  in  all 
to  each  other ;  and  when  at  last  we  are  old,  as  we  shall  be 
when  you  are  seventy-seven  and  I  am  sixty — we  will  leave 
all  our  fortune  that  we  shall  have  made  to  found  a  home 
for  widows  and  orphans, — as  we  were,  and  we  will  pass  out 
and  go  to  Heaven  together.^' 

Now  indeed  this  poor,  modern  Hagar  looked — and 
smiled  at  the  oddity  of  her  IshmaePs  far-reaching  tliought. 

In  that  poor  household  grief  might  not  be  indulged. 
Marah  Eocke  took  down  her  work-basket  and  sat-  down  to 
finish  a  lot  of  shirts,  and  Traverse  went  out  with  his  horse 
and  saw,  to  look  for  a  job  at  cutting  wood  for  twenty-five 
cents  a  cord.  Small  beginnings  of  the  fortune  that  was  to 
found  and  endow  asylums  I  but  many  a  fortune  has  been 
comlnenced  upon  less  ! 

Marah  Eocke  had  managed  to  dismiss  her  boy  with  a 
smile — but  that  was  the  last  effort  of  nature  ;  as  soon  as  he 
was  gone  and  she  found  herself  alone,  tear  after  tear  welled 
up  in  her  eyes  and  rolled  down  her  pale  cheeks  ;  sigh  after 
sigh  heaved  her  bosom  I 

Ah  I  the  transitory  joy  of  the  past  week  had  been  but 
the  lightning's  arrowy  course  scathing  where  it  illumined  ! 

She  felt  as  if  this  last  blow,  that  had  struck  her  down 
from  the  height  of  hope  to  the  depth  of  despair,  had  broken 
her  heart — as  if  the  power  of  reaction  was  gone,  and  she 
mourned  as  one  who  would  not  be  comforted. 


mabah's  dbeams. 


113 


While  she  sat  thus  the  door  opened,  and  before  she  was 
aware  of  his  presence,  Herbert  Greyson  entered  the  room 
and  came  softly  to  her  side.  Ere  she  could  speak  to  him, 
he  dropped  upon  one  knee  at  her  feet,  bowed  his  young 
head  lowly  over  the  hand  that  he  took  and  pressed  to  his 
lips.  Then  he  arose  and  stood  before  her.  This  was  not 
unnatural  or  exaggerated — it  was  his  way  of  expressing  the 
reverential  sympathy  and  compassion  he  felt  for  her  strange, 
life-long  martyrdom. 

"Herbert,  you  here?  why  we  only  got  your  letter  this 
morning/^  she  said,  in  tones  of  gentle  inquiry,  as  she  arose 
and  placed  a  chair  for  him. 

"Yes,  I  could  not  bear  to  stay  away  from  you,  at  such 
a  time ;  I  came  up  in  the  same  mail  coach  that  brought  my 
letter  ;  but  I  kept  myself  out  of  Traverse's  sight,  for  I  could 
not  bear  to  intrude  upon  you  in  the  first  hour  of  your  dis- 
appointment,'^ said  Herbert,  in  a  broken  voice. 

"  Oh  !  that  need  not  have  kept  you  away,  dear  boy  ;  I 
did  not  cry  much ;  I  am  used  to  trouble,  you  know ;  I  shall 
get  over  this  also — after  a  little  while — and  things  will  go 
in  the  old  way,"  said  Marah  Eocke,  struggling  to  repress  the 
rising  emotion  that  however  overcame  her,  for  dropping  her 
head  upon  her  "sailor  boy's''  shoulder,  she  burst  into  a 
flood  of  tears  and  wept  plenteously. 

"  Dear  mother,  be  comforted,'^  he  said ;  "  dear  mother, 
be  comforted.''' 


114: 


makah's  memoeibs. 


CHAPTEE  XIII. 

MARAH^S  MEMORIES. 

**  In  the  shade  of  the  apple  tree  again 
She  saw  a  rider  draw  his  rein. 
And  gazing  down  with  a  timid  grace, 
She  felt  his  pleased  eyes  read  her  face." 

— Whittier. 

'^Dear  Marah,  I  cannot  understand  your  strong 
attachment  to  that  bronzed  and  grizzled  old  man,  who  has 
besides  treated  you  so  barbarously,"  said  Herbert. 

Is  he  bronzed  and  gray  asked  Marah,  looking  up 
with  gentle  pity  in  her  eyes  and  tone. 

Why  of  course  he  is.  He  is  sixty-three." 
*^  He  was  forty-five  when  I  first  knew  him,  and  he  was 
very  handsome  then — at  least  I  thought  him  the  very  per- 
fection of  manly  strength,  and  beauty,  and  goodness.  True, 
it  was  the  mature,  warm  beauty  of  the  Indian  summer — for 
he  was  more  than  middle-aged ;  but  it  was  very  genial  to 
the  chilly,  loveless  morning  of  my  early  life,"  said  Marah, 
dropping  her  head  upon  her  hand,  and  sliding  into  reminis- 
cences of  the  past. 

Dear  Marah,  I  wish  you  would  tell  me  all  about  your 
marriage  and  misfortunes,"  said  Herbert,  in  a  tone  of  the 
deepest  sympathy  and  respect. 

Yes,  he  was  very  handsome,"  continued  Mrs.  Eocke, 
speaking  more  to  herself  than  to  her  companion;  '*his 
form  was  tall,  full  and  stately ;  his  complexion  warm,  rich 
and  glowing ;  his  fine  face  was  lighted  up  by  a  pair  of 
strong,  dark  gray  eyes,  full  of  fire  and  tenderness,  and  was 
surrounded  by  waving  masses  of  jeb  black  hair  and  whiskers 
— they  are  gray  now,  you  say,  Herbert 

''Gray  and  grizzled,  and  bristling  up  around  his  hard 


MAE  AH' S  MEMORIES. 


115 


face,  like  thorn-bushes  aronnd  a  rock  in  winter  I"  said 
Herbert,  bluntly,  for  it  enraged  his  honest  but  inexperienced 
boyish  heart  to  hear  this  wronged  woman  speak  so  enthus- 
iastically. 

Ah  !  it  is  winter  with  him  now,  but  tJien  it  was  glori- 
ous Indian  summer.  He  was  a  handsome,  strong  and  ardent 
man.  /was  a  young,  slight,  pale  girl,  with  no  beauty  but 
the  cold  and  colorless  beauty  of  a  statue  ;  with  no  learning, 
but  such  as  I  had  picked  up  from  a  country  school ;  with 
no  love  to  bless  my  lonely  life — for  I  was  a  friendless  orplian, 
without  either  parents  or  relatives,  and  living  by  sufferance 
in  a  cold  and  loveless  home.'' 

Poor  girl  V  murmured  Herbert,  in  almost  inaudible 

tones. 

"  Our  log-cabin  stood  beside  the  military  road  leading 
through  the  wilderness  to  the  Fort  where  he  was  stationed. 
And  oh,  when  he  came  riding  by  each  day,  upon  his  noble, 
coal  black  steed,  and  in  his  martial  uniform,  looking  so 
vigorous,  handsome  and  kingly,  he  seemed  to  me  almost  a 
god  to  worship.  Sometimes  he  drew  rein  in  front  of  the 
old  oak  tree  that  stood  in  front  of  our  cabin,  to  breathe  his 
horse,  or  to  ask  for  a  draught  of  water.  I  used  to  bring  it 
•  to  him.  Oh  !  then,  when  he  looked  at  me,  his  eyes  seemed 
to  send  new  warmth  to  my  chilled  heart ;  when  he  spoke, 
too,  his  tones  seemed  to  strengthen  me  ;  while  he  staid,  his 
presence  seemed  to  protect  me.'' 

*  Ay,  such  protection  as  vultures  give  to  doves — cov- 
ering and  devouring  them,'  "  muttered  Herbert  to  himself. 
Mrs.  Eocke,  too  absorbed  in  her  reminiscences  to  heed  his 
interruptions,  continued: 

One  day  he  asked  me  to  be  his  wife.  I  do  not  know 
what  I  answered,  or  if  I  answered  anything.  I  only 
know  that  when  I  understood  what  he  meant  my  heart 
trembled  with  instinctive  terror  at  its  own  excessive  joy  ! 
We  were  privately  married  by  the  chaplain  at  the  Fort. 
There  were  no  accommodations  for  the  wives  of  officers  there. 


116 


marah's  memories. 


And  besides,  my  husband  did  not  wish  to  announce  our 
marriage,  until  he  was  ready  to  take  me  to  his  princely 
mansion  in  Virginia." 

Humph  P  grunted  Herbert,  inwardly,  for  comment. 

''But  he  built  for  me  a  pretty  cabin  in  the  w-oods 
below  the  fort,  furnished  it  simply,  and  hired  a  half-breed 
Indian  woman  to  wait  on  me.  Gh,  I  was  too  happy  !  To 
my  wintry  spring  of  life  summer  had  come,  warm,  rich  and 
beautiful !  There  is  a  clause  in  the  marriage  service  which 
enjoins  the  husband  to  cherish  his  wife.  I  do  not  believe 
many  people  ever  stop  to  think  how  much  is  in  that  word. 
He  did  ;  he  cherished  my  little  thin,  chill,  feeble  life,  until 
I  became  strong,  warm  and  healthful.  Oh  !  even  as  the 
blessed  sun  warms  and  animates,  and  glorifies  the  earth, 
causing  it  to  brighten  with  life,  and  blossom  with  flowers, 
and  bloom  with  fruit,  so  did  my  husband  enrich,  and  cher- 
ish, and  bless  my  life.  Such  happiness  could  not  and  it 
did  not  last/* 

*'  Of  course  not,'^  muttered  Herbert  to  himself. 

'*  At  first  the  fault  was  in  myself.  Yes,  Herbert,  it 
was  !  you  need  not  look  incredulous,  or  hope  to  cast  all  the 
blame  on  him  !  Listen  :  happy,  grateful,  adoring  as  I  was, 
I  was  also  shy,  timid,  and  bashful — never  proving  the  deep 
love  I  bore  my  husband  except  by  the  most  perfect  self- 
abandonment  to  his  will.  All  this  deep  though  quiet 
devotion  he  understood  as  mere  passive  obedience  void  of 
love.  As  this  continued  he  grew  uneasy,  and  often  asked 
me  if  I  cared  for  him  at  all,  or  if  it  were  possible  for  a 
young  girl  like  me  to  love  an  old  man  like  himself.'^ 

*'  A  very  natural  question,'^  thought  Herbert. 

"  Well,  I  used  to  whisper  in  answer,  '  Yes,^  and  still 
'Yes/  But  this  never  satisfied  Major  Warfield.  One  day, 
when  he  asked  me  if  I  cared  for  him  the  least  in  the  world, 
I  suddenly  answered,  that  if  he  were  to  die  I  should  throw 
myself  across  his  grave,  and  lie  there  until  death  should 
release  me  I  whereupon  he  broke  into  a  loud  laugh,  saying, 


MAE  ah' S  MEMORIES. 


117 


'  Methinks  the  lady  doth  protest  too  mucli/  I  was  already 
blushing  deeply  at  the  unwonted  vehemence  of  my  own 
words,  although  I  had  spoken  only  as  I  felt — the  very,  very 
truth ;  but  his  laugh  and  his  jest  so  increased  my  confusion 
— that — in  fine  that  was  the  first  and  last  time  I  ever  did 
protest !  Like  Lear's  Cordelia,  I  was  tongue-tied — I  had 
no  words  to  assure  him.  Sometimes  I  wept  to  think  how 
poor  I  was  in  resources  to  make  him  happy.  Then  came 
another  annoyance — my  name  and  fame  were  freely  dis- 
cussed at  the  fort.'' 

A  natural  consequence/'  sighed  Herbert. 

The  younger  officers  discovered  my  woodland  home, 
and  often  stole  out  to  reconnoitre  my  cabin.  Among  them 
was  Captain  Le  ISToir,  who,  after  he  had  discovered  my 
retreat,  picked  acquaintance  with  Lura,  my  attendant. 
Making  the  woodland  sports  his  pretext,  he  haunted  the 
vicinity  of  my  cabin,  often  stopping  at  the  door  to  beg  a 
cup  of  water,  which  of  course  was  never  denied,  or  else  to 
offer  a  bunch  of  partridges,  or  a  brace  of  rabbits,  or  some 
other  game,  the  sports  of  his  gun,  which  equally  of  course 
was  never  accepted.  One  beautiful  morning  in  June,  finding 
my  cabin  door  open  and  myself  alone,  he  ventured  unbidden 
across  my  threshold,  and  by  his  free  conversation,  and  bold 
admiration,  offended  and  alarmed  me.  Some  days  after- 
wards, in  the  mess-room  at  the  fort,  being  elevated  by  wine, 
he  boasted  among  his  mess-mates  of  the  intimate  terms  of 
friendly  acquaintance  upon  which  he  falsely  asserted  that 
he  had  the  pleasure  of  standing  with  '  Warfield's  pretty 
little  favorite,'  as  he  insolently  called  me.  When  my  hus- 
band heard  of  this,  I  learned  for  the  first  time  of  the  ter- 
rific violence  of  his  temper.  It  was  awful  I  It  frightened 
me  almost  to  death.  There  was  a  duel,  of  course.  Le 
Noir  was  very  dangerously  wounded — scarred  across  the 
face  for  life,  and  was  confined  many  weeks  to  his  bed. 
Major  Warfield  was  also  slightly  hurt,  and  laid  up  at  the 


118 


maeah's  memories. 


Fort  for  a  few  days,  during  which  I  was  not  permitted  to 
see  him," 

Is  it  possible  that  even  then  he  did  not  see  your  dan- 
ger, and  acknowledge  your  marriage,  and  call  you  to  his 
bed-side  ?"  inquired  Herbert  impatiently. 

No  !  no  !  if  he  had,  all  after  suffering  had  been  spared  ! 
'No  !  at  the  end  of  four  days  he  came  back  to  me  ;  but  we 
met  only  for  bitter  reproaches  on  his  part,  and  sorrowful 
tears  on  mine.  He  charged  me  with  coldness,  upon  account 
of  the  disparity  in  our  years,  and  of  preference  for  Captain 
Le  Noir,  because  he  was  '  a  pretty  fellow.-*  I  knew  this 
was  not  true  of  me.  I  knew  that  I  loved  my  husband's 
very  footprints  better  than  I  did  the  whole  human  race 
besides  ;  but  I  could  not  tell  him  so  then.  Oh,  in  those 
days,  though  my  heart  was  so  full,  I  had  so  little  power 
of  utterance.  There  he  stood  before  me  !  he  that  had 
been  so  ruddy  and  buoyant,  now  so  pale  from  loss  of 
blood,  and  so  miserable,  that  I  could  have  fallen  and 
groveled  at  his  feet  in  sorrow  and  remorse  at  not  being  able 
to  make  him  happy  V 

There  are  some  persons  whom  we  can  never  make 
happy  !    It  is  not  in  them  to  be  so     commented  Herbert. 

He  made  me  promise  never  to  see  or  to  speak  to  Le 
Noir  again — a  promise  eagerly  given  but  nearly  impossible 
to  keep.  My  husband  spent  as  much  time  with  me  as  he 
possibly  could  spare  from  his  military  duties,  and  looked 
forward  with  impatience  to  the  autumn,  when  it  was 
thought  that  he  would  be  at  liberty  to  take  me  home.  He 
often  used  to  tell  me  that  we  should  spend  our  Christmas 
at  his  house.  Hurricane  Hall,  and  that  I  should  play  Lady 
Bountiful,  and  distribute  Christmas  gifts  to  the  negroes, 
and  that  they  would  love  me.  And  oh  I  with  what  joy  I 
anticipated  that  time  of  honor  and  safety  and  careless  ease, 
as  an  acknowledged  wife,  in  the  home  of  my  husband  ! 
There,  too,  I  fondly  believed  our  child  would  be  born. 


marah's  memories. 


119 


All  bis  old  tenderness  returned  for  me,  and  I  was  as  happy 
if  not  as  wildly  joyful,  as  at  first."" 

"'Twas  but  a  lull  in  tbe  storm/^  said  Herbert. 

Aye  !  ^twas  but  a  lull  in  the  storm,  or  rather  hefore  the 
storm  !  I  do  think  that  from  the  time  of  that  duel,  Le 
Noir  had  resolved  upon  our  ruin.  As  soon  as  he  was  able 
to  go  out,  he  haunted  the  woods  around  my  cabin,  and 
continually  lay  in  wait  for  me.  I  could  not  go  out  even  in 
the  company  of  my  maid  Lura  to  pick  blackberrries  and 
wild  plums,  or  gather  forest  roses,  or  to  get  fresh  water  at 
the  spring,  without  being  intercepted  by  Le  Noir  and  his 
offensive  admiration.  He  seemed  to  be  ubiquitous  !  He 
met  me  everywhere — except  in  the  presence  of  Major  War- 
field.  I  did  not  tell  my  husband,  because  I  feared  that  if  I 
did  he  would  have  killed  Le  Noir,  and  died  for  the  deed.^-* 

Humph  I  it  would  have  been  'good  riddance  of  bad 
rubbish^ in  loth  cases  !'"'  muttered  Herbert,  under  his  teeth. 

But  instead  of  telling  him,  I  confined  myself  strictly 
to  my  cabin.  One  fatal  day  my  husband,  on  leaving  me  in 
the  morning,  said  that  I  need  not  wait  up  for  him  at  night, 
for  that  it  would  be  very  late  when  he  came,  even  if  he  came 
at  all.  He  kissed  me  very  fondly  when  he  went  away. 
Alas  !  alas  !  it  was  the  last — last  time  !  At  night  I  went  to 
bed  disappointed,  yet  still  so  expectant  that  I  could  not 
sleep.  I  know  not  how  long  I  had  waited  thus,  or  how  late 
it  was  when  I  heard  a  tap  at  the  outer  door,  and  heard  the 
bolt  undraw,  and  a  footstep  enter,  and  a  low  voice  asking : 

'  Is  she  asleep  f  and  Lura^s  reply  in  the  afiSrmative. 
Never  doubting  it  was  my  husband,  I  lay  there  in  pleased 
expectation  of  his  entrance.  He  came  in,  and  began  to  take 
off  his  coat  in  the  dark.  I  spoke,  telling  him  that  there 
were  matches  on  the  bureau.  He  did  not  reply,  at  which  I 
was  surprised ;  but  before  I  could  even  repeat  my  words, 
the  outer  door  was  burst  violently  open,  hurried  footsteps 
crossed  the  entry,  a  light  flashed  into  my  room,  my  husband 
stood  in  the  door  in  full  military  uniform,  with  ^  light  iu 


120 


maeah's  memories. 


his  hand  and  the  aspect  of  an  avenging  demon  on  his  brow 
and  

Horror  of  Horrors  !  the  half -undressed  man  in  my 
chamber  was  Captain  Le  Noir  !  I.  saw,  and  swooned  away  \" 

But  you  were  saved  !  you  were  saved  \"  gasped  Her- 
bert, white  with  emotion. 

Oh,  I  was  saved,  but  not  from  sorrow — not  from 
shame  !  I  awoke  from  that  deadly  swoon  to  find  myself 
alone,  deserted,  cast  away  !  Oh  !  torn  out  from  the 
warmth  and  light  and  safety  of  my  home  in  my  husband^s 
heart,  and  hurled  forth  shivering,  faint  and  helpless  upon 
the  bleak  world  !  and  all  this  in  twenty-four  hours  !  Ah  ! 
I  did  not  lack  the  power  of  expression  then  !  happiness  had 
never  given  it  to  me — anguish  conferred  it  upon  me  !  that 
one  fell  stroke  of  fate  cleft  the  rock  of  silence  in  my  soul, 
and  the  fountain  of  utterance  gushed  freely  forth.  I  wrote 
to  him — but  my  letters  might  as  well  have  been  dropped 
into  a  well.  I  went  to  him,  but  was  spurned  away.  I 
prayed  him  with  tears  to  have  pity  on  our  unborn  babe ; 
but  he  laughed  aloud  in  scorn,  and  called  it  by  an  oppro- 
brious name  !  Letters,  prayers,  tears,  were  all  in  vain. 
He  never  had  acknowledged  our  marriage,  he  now  declared 
that  he  never  would  do  so  ;  he  discarded  me,  disowned  my 
child,  and  forbade  us  ever  to  take  his  name  V 

Oh,  Marah  !  and  you  but  seventeen  years  of  age  ! 
without  a  father  or  a  brother  or  a  friend  in  the  world  to 
take  your  part  !  without  even  means  to  employ  an  advo- 
cate V  exclaimed  Herbert,  covering  his  face  with  his  hands 
and  sinking  back. 

Nor  would  I  have  used  any  of  these  agencies,  had  I 
possessQd  them  !  If  my  wifehood  and  motherhood,  my 
affection  and  my  helplessness,  were  not  advocates  strong 
enough  to  win  my  cause,  I  could  not  have  borne  to  employ 
others." 

''Oh,  Marah,  with  none  to  pity  or  to  help  I  it  was 
monstrous  to  have  abandoned  you  so  1'' 


maeah's  memories. 


121 


No !  hush ;  consider  the  overwhelming  evidence 
against  me  !  I  considered  it  even  in  the  tempest  and 
whirlwind  of  my  angnish,  and  never  once  blamed  and  never 
once  was  angry  with  my  husband.  For  I  knew — not  he, 
but  the  terrible  circumstantial  evidence  had  ruined  me  \" 

Ay,  but  did  you  not  explain  it  to  him 

How  could  1,  alas !  when  I  did  not  understand  it 
myself  ?  How  Le  Noir  knew  that  Major  Warfield  was  not 
expected  home  that  fatal  night — how  he  got  into  my  house, 
whether  by  conspiring  with  my  little  maid,  or  by  deceiving 
her — or  lastly,  how  Major  Warfield  came  to  burst  in  upon 
him  so  suddenly,  I  did  not  know,  and  do  not  to  this  day  V 

But  you  told  Major  Warfield  all  that  you  have  told 
me  r 

Oh,  yes  !  again  and  again,  calling  Heaven  to  witness 
my  truth  !  In  vain  !  '  he  had  seen  with  his  oion  eyeSy  he 
said.  Against  all  I  could  say  or  do,  there  was  built  up  a 
wall  of  scornful  incredulity,  on  which  I  might  have  dashed 
my  brains  out  to  no  purpose 

Oh,  Marah  !  Marah  !  with  none  to  pity  or  to  save  V' 
again  exclaimed  Herbert. 

''Yes,^'  said  the  meek  creature,  bowing  her  head; 
God  pitied  and  helped  me  !  First  he  sent  me  a  son  that 
grew  strong  and  handsome  in  body,  good  and  wise  in  soul. 
Then  he  kept  alive  in  my  heart  faith  and  hope  and  charity. 
He  enabled  me,  through  long  years  of  unremitting  and  ill- 
requited  toil,  to  live  on,  loving  against  anger,  waiting 
against  time,  and  hoping  against  despair 

"  Why  did  you  leave  your  western  home  and  come  to 
Staunton,  Marah     asked  Herbert. 

To  be  where  I  could  sometimes  hear  of  my  husband, 
without  intruding  on  him.  I  took  your  widowed  mother 
in  because  she  was  his  sister,  though  I  never  told  her  who  I 
was,  lest  she  should  wrong  and  scorn  me,  as  he  had  done. 
When  she  died  I  cherished  you^  Herbert,  first  because  you 


122 


MARAH^S  MEMORIES. 


were  Ms  nephew,  but  now,  dear  boy,  for  your  own  sake, 
also/^ 

And  I,  while  I  live,  will  be  a  son  to  you,  Madam  !  I 
will  be  your  constant  friend  at  Hurricane  Hall.  He  talks 
of  making  me  his  heir.  Should  he  persist  in  such  blind 
injustice,  the  day  I  come  into  the  property,  I  shall  turn  it 
all  over  to  his  widow  and  son.  But  I  do  not  believe  that 
he  will  persist ;  I,  for  my  part,  still  hope  for  the  best." 

I  also  hope  for  the  best,  for  whatever  God  wills  is  sure 
to  happen,  and  his  will  is  surely  the  best  !   Yes,  Herbert, 

I  also  hope  leyond  the  graved  said  Marah  Kocke,  with 

a  wan  smile. 

The  little  clock  that  stood  between  the  tall  plated  can- 
clesticks  on  'the  mantel-piece  struck  twelve,  and  Marah 
rose  from  her  seat,  saying  : 

Traverse,  poor  fellow,  will  be  home  to  his  dinner. 
Not  a  word  to  him,  Herbert,  please !  I  do  not  wish  the 
poor  lad  to  know  how  much  he  has  lost,  and  above  all,  I  do 
not  wish  him  to  be  prejudiced  against  his  father." 

"  You  are  right,  Marah,"  said  Herbert,  ''for  if  he  were 

told,  the  natural  indignation  that  your  wrongs  would  arouse 

in  his  heart,  would  totally  unfit  him  to  meet  his  father,  in 

a  proper  spirit,  in  that  event  for  which  I  still  hope — a 

future  and  a  perfect  family  union  !" 

*        *        *        *         *        *  * 

Herbert  Greyson  remained  a  week  with  his  friends, 
during  which  time  he  paid  the  quarter's  rent,  and  relieved 
his  adopted  mother  of  that  cause  of  anxiety.  Then  he 
took  leave  and  departed  for  Hurricane  Hall,  on  his  way  to 
Washington  City,  whence  he  was  immediately  going  to  pass 
his  examination  and  await  his  appointment. 


THE  WASTING  HEAKT. 


123 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  WASTING  HEART. 

"  Then  she  took  up  the  burden  of  life  again, 
Saying  only,  *  It  might  have  been.' 
Alas  for  them  both,  and  alas  for  us  all, 
Who  vainly  the  dreams  of  youth  recall, 
For  of  all  sad  words  of  lips,  or  pen. 
The  saddest  are  these — '  It  might  have  been.' " 

— Whittier. 

By  the  tacit  consent  of  all  parties,  the  meteor  hope  that 
had  crossed  and  vanished  from  Marah  Rocke's  path  of  life 
was  never  mentioned  again.  Mother  and  son  went  about 
their  separate  tasks.  Traverse  worked  at  jobs  all  day, 
studied  at  night,  and  went  twice  a  week  to  recite  his  lessons 
to  his  patron.  Doctor  Day,  at  Willow  Hill.  Marah  sewed 
as  usual  all  day,  and  prepared  her  boy^s  meals  at  the  proper 
times.  But  day  by  day  her  cheeks  grew  paler,  her  form 
thinner,  her  step  fainter.  Her  son  saw  this  decline  with 
great  alarm.  Sometimes  he  found  her  in  a  deep,  troubled 
reverie,  from  which  she  would  awaken  with  heavy  sighs. 
Sometimes  he  surprised  her  in  tears.  At  such  times  he  did 
not  trouble  her  with  questions  that  he  instinctively  felt  she 
could  not  or  would  not  answer ;  but  he  came  gently  to  her 
side,  put  his  arms  about  her  neck,  stooped  and  laid  her 
face  against  his  breast,  and  whispered  assurances  of  his 
''true  love,"  and  his  boyish  hopes  of ''getting  on,"  of 
"making  a  fortune,^'  and  bringing  "brighter  days"  for 
her ! 

And  she  would  return  his  caresses,  and  with  a  faint  smile 
reply  that  he  "  must  not  mind  "  her,  that  she  was  only  "  a 
little  low-spirited,"  that  she  would  "  get  over  it  soon." 

But  as  day  followed  day,  she  grew  visibly  thinner  and 


124: 


THE  WASTING  HEART. 


weaker,  dark  shadows  settled  under  her  hollow  eyes  and  in 
her  sunken  cheeks.  One  evening,  while  standing  at  the 
table  washing  up  their  little  tea  service,  she  suddenly 
dropped  into  her  chair  and  fainted.  Nothing  could  exceed 
the  alarm  and  distress  of  poor  Traverse.  He  hastened  to 
fix  her  in  an  easy  position,  bathed  her  face  and  hands  in 
vinegar  and  water — the  only  restoratives  in  their  meagre 
stock — and  called  upon  her  by  every  loving  epithet  to  live 
and  speak  to  him.  The  fit  yielded  to  his  efforts,  and  pres- 
ently, with  a  few  fluttering  inspirations,  her  breath  returned 
and  her  eyes  opened.  Her  very  first  words  were  attempts 
to  re-assure  her  dismayed  boy.  But  Traverse  could  no  more 
be  flattered.  He  entreated  his  mother  to  go  at  once  to  bed. 
And  though  the  next  morning,  when  she  arose,  she  looked 
not  worse  than  usual,  Traverse  left  home  with  a  heart  full 
of  trouble.  But  instead  of  turning  down  the  street  to  go  to 
his  work  in  the  town,  he  turned  up  the  street  towards  the 
wooded  hills  beyond,  now  glowing  in  their  gorgeous  autumn 
foliage,  and  burning  in  the  brilliant  morning  sun. 

A  half  hoards  walk  brought  him  to  a  high  and  thickly- 
wooded  hill,  up  which  a  private  road  led  through  a  thicket 
of  trees  to  a  handsome  gray  stone  country  seat,  situated  in 
the  midst  of  beautifully  ornamented  grounds,  and  known 
as  Willow  Heights,  the  residence  of  Doctor  William  Day,  a 
retired  physician  of  great  repute,  and  a  man  of  earnest 
piety.  He  was  a  widower  with  one  fair  daughter,  Clara,  a 
girl  of  fourteen,  then  absent  at  boarding-school.  Traverse 
had  never  seen  this  girl,  but  his  one  great  admiration  was 
the  beautiful  Willow  Heights,  and  its  worthy  proprietor. 
He  opened  the  highly  ornate  iron  gate,  and  entered  upon 
an  avenue  of  willows  that  led  up  to  the  house,  a  two-storied 
edifice  of  gray  stone,  with  full-length  front  piazzas  above 
and  below. 

Arrived  at  the  door,  he  rang  the  bell,  which  was 
answered  promptly  by  a  good-humored  looking  negro  boy, 
who  at  once  showed  Traverse  to  the  library  up  stairs,  where 


THE  WASTHTG  HEART. 


125 


tlie  good  doctor  sat  at  his  books.  Doctor  Day  was  at  this 
time  about  fifty  years  of  age,  tall  and  stoutly  built,  with  a 
fine  head  and  face,  shaded  by  soft,  bright  flaxen  hair  and 
beard  ;  thoughtful  and  kindly  dark  blue  eyes,  and  an  ear- 
nest, jiDenetrating  smile,  that  reached  like  sunshine  the 
heart  of  any  one  upon  whom  it  shone.  He  wore  a  cheer- 
ful looking  flowered  chintz  dressing-gown  corded  around  his 
waist ;  his  feet  were  thrust  into  embroidered  slippers  ;  and 
he  sat  in  his  elbow-chair  at  his  reading  table,  poring  over 
a  huge  folio  volume.  The  whole  aspect  of  the  man,  and 
of  his  surroundings,  was  kindly  cheerfulness.  The  room 
opened  upon  the  upper  front  piazza,  and  the  windows  were 
all  up  to  admit  the  bright  morning  sun  and  genial  air,  at 
the  same  time  that  there  was  a  glowing  fire  in  the  grate  to 
temper  its  chilliness.  Traversers  soft  step  across  the  car- 
peted floor  was  not  heard  by  the  doctor,  who  was  only  made 
aware  of  his  presence  by  his  stepping  between  the  sunshine 
and  his  table.  Then  the  doctor  arose,  and  with  his  intense 
smile  extended  his  hands,  and  greeted  the  boy  with  : 

Well,  Traverse,  lad,  you  are  always  welcome  !  I  did 
not  expect  you  until  night,  as  usual,  but  as  you  are  here, 
so  much  the  better  I  Got  your  exercise  all  ready,  eh  ? — 
Heaven  bless  you,  lad  I  what  is  the  matter  V  inquired  the 
good  man  suddenly,  on  first  observing  the  boy's  deeply 
troubled  looks. 

My  mother,  sir  I  my  mother  \"  was  all  that  Traverse 
could  at  first  utter. 

Your  mother  ?  My  dear  lad,  what  about  her — is  she 
ill  T'  inquired  the  doctor,  with  interest. 

"  Oh,  sir,  I  am  afraid  she  is  going  to  die  \"  exclaimed 
the  boy  in  a  choking  voice,  struggling  hard  to  keep  from 
bewraying  his  manhood  by  bursting  into  tears. 

"  Going  to  die — oh  !  pooh,  pooh,  pooh,  she  is  not  going 
to  die,  lad !  tell  me  all  about  it,"  said  the  doctor,  in  an 
encouraging  tone. 


126 


THE  WASTINa  HEABT 


She  has  had  so  much  grief,  and  care,  and  anxiety,  sir 
— Doctor,  is  there  any  such  malady  as  a  broken  heart  ?" 

^'Broken  heart  ? — pooh,  pooh  !  no,  my  child,  no  !  never 
heard  of  such  a  thing  in  thirty  years^  medical  experience  ! 
Even  that  story  of  a  porter  who  broke  his  heart  trying  to 
lift  a  ton  of  stone  is  all  a  fiction.  No  such  disease  as  a 
broken  heart.    But  tell  me  about  your  mother  V 

It  is  of  her  that  I  am  talking ;  she  has  had  so  much 
trouble  in  her  life,  and  now  I  think  she  is  sinking  under  it ; 
she  has  been  failing  for  weeks,  and  last  night,  while  wash- 
ing the  teacups,  she  fainted  away  from  the  table  P 
"  Heaven  help  us,  that  looks  bad,''  said  the  doctor. 

Oh,  does  it  ?  does  it,  sir  ?  She  said  it  was  ^nothing 
much.'  Oh,  Doctor,  don't  say  she  will  die  !  don't !  if  she 
were  to  die — if  mother  were  to  die,  I'd  give  right  up  !  I 
never  should  do  a  bit  of  good  in  the  world,  for  she  is  all  the 
motive  I  have  in  this  life  !  To  study  hard — to  work  hard, 
and  make  her  comfortable  and  happy,  so  as  to  make  up  to 
her  for  all  she  has  suffered,  is  my  greatest  wish  and  endeavor ! 
Oh,  don't  say  mother  will  die,  it  would  ruin  me  !"  cried 
Traverse. 

My  dear  boy,  I  don't  say  anything  of  the  sort !  I  say. 
Judging  from  your  account,  that  her  health  must  be  attended 

to  immediately.    And  true  I  have  retired  from  practice  ; 

but  I  will  go  and  see  your  mother.  Traverse  !" 

"  Oh,  sir,  if  you  only  would  !  I  came  to  ask  you  to  do 
that  very  thing  !  I  should  not  have  presumed  to  ask  such 
a  favor  for  any  cause  but  this  of  my  dear  mother's  life  and 
health,  and  you  will  go  to  see  her  ?" 

"  Willingly  and  without  delay,  Traverse,"  said  the  good 
man,  rising  immediately  and  hurrying  into  an  adjoining 
chamber. 

Order  the  gig  while  I  dress.  Traverse,  and  I  will  take 
you  back  with  me,"  he  added,  as  he  closed  the  chamber 
door  behind  him. 

By  the  time  Traverse  had  gone  down,  given  the  neces- 


THE  WASTING  HEAKT. 


127 


sary  orders  and  returned  to  the  library,  the  doctor  emerged 
from  his  chamber,  buttoned  up  in  his  gray  frock  coat,  and 
booted,  gloved  and  capped  for  the  ride. 

They  went  down  together,  entered  the  gig,  and  drove 
rapidly  down  the  willow  avenue,  slowly  through  the  iron 
gate  and  through  the  dark  thicket,  and  down  the  wooded 
hill  to  the  high  road,  and  then  as  fast  as  the  sorrel  mare 
could  trot  towards  town.  In  fifteen  minutes,  the  doctor 
pulled  up  his  gig,  at  the  right-hand  side  of  the  road  before 
the  cottage  gate. 

They  entered  the  cottage,  Traverse  going  first  in  order 
to  announce  the  doctor.  They  found  Mrs.  Rocke,  as  usual, 
seated  in  her  low  chair  by  the  little  fire,  bending  over  her 
needle  work.  She  looked  up  with  surprise  as  they  came 
in. 

Mother,  this  is  Doctor  Day,  come  to  see  you,^'  said 
Traverse. 

She  arose  from  her  chair,  and  raised  those  soft  and 
timid  dark  gray  eyes  to  the  stranger's  face,  where  they  met 
that  sweet,  intense  smile  that  seemed  to  encourage  while  it 
shone  upon  her. 

We  have  never  met  before,  Mrs.  Eocke,  but  we  both 
feel  too  much  interest  in  this  good  lad  here  to  meet  as 
strangers  now,^^  said  the  doctor,  extending  his  hand. 

Traverse  gives  me  every  day  fresh  cause  to  be  grate- 
ful to  you,  sir,  for  kindness  that  we  can  never,  never  repay, 
said  Marah  Kocke,  pressing  that  bountiful  hand,  and  then 
placing  a  chair,  which  the  doctor  took. 

Traverse  seated  himself  at  a  little  distance,  and  as  the 
doctor  conversed  with  and  covertly  examined  his  mother's 
face,  he  watched  the  doctor^s  countenance,  as  if  life  and 
death  hung  upon  the  character  of  its  expression.  But  while 
they  talked,  not  one  word  was  said  upon  the  subject  of 
sickness  or  medicine.  They  talked  of  Traverse.  The  doc- 
tor assured  his  mother  that  her  son  was  a  boy  of  such  fine 
talent,  character  and  promise,  that  he  had  already  made 


128 


THE  WASTING  HEAET. 


such  rapid  progress  in  his  classical  and  mathematical  stud- 
ies, that  he  ought  immediately  to  enter  upon  a  course  of 
reading  for  one  of  the  learned  professions. 

The  mother  turned  a  smile  full  of  love,  pride  and  sor- 
row upon  the  fine,  intellectual  face  of  her  hoy,  and  said  : 

"  You  are  like  the  angel  in  Golems  picture  of  life.  You 
point  the  youth  to  the  far-up  temple  of  fame — " 

"  And  leave  him  to  get  there  as  he  can.  Not  at  all 
madam  !  Let  us  see.  Traverse,  you  are  now  going  on 
eighteen  years  of  age  ;  if  you  had  your  choice,  which  of  the 
learned  professions  would  you  prefer  for  yourself — law, 
physic,  or  divinity  ?" 

The  boy  looked  up  and  smiled,  then  dropped  his  head 
and  seemed  to  reflect. 

Perhaps  you  have  never  thought  upon  the  subject. 
Well,  you  must  take  time — you  must  take  time  !  so  as  to 
be  firm  in  your  decision  when  you  have  once  decided/'  said 
the  doctor. 

Oh,  sir,  I  have  thought  of  it  long  !  and  my  choice  has 
been  long  and  firmly  decided,  were  I  only  free  to  follow 
it  \" 

Speak,  lad  !    What  is  your  choice 

<i  Why,  don't  you  hnow,  sir  ?  Can't  you  guess  ?  Why, 
your  oion  profession,  of  course,  sir  !  Certainly,  sir,  I  could 
not  think  of  any  other  !"  exclaimed  the  boy,  with  sparkling 
eyes  and  flushed  cheeks. 

^'Tfiafs  my  own  lad !"  exclaimed  the  doctor,  enthusiasti- 
cally seizing  the  boy's  hand  with  one  of  his,  and  clapping 
the  other  down  upon  his  palm  ;  for  if  the  doctor  had  an 
admiration  in  the  world  it  was  for  his  own  profession. 

That's  my  own  lad  !  My  profession  !  the  healing  art !  why, 
it  is  the  only  profession  worthy  the  study  of  an  immortal 
being.  Laio  sets  people  by  the  ears  together  !  Divinity 
should  never  be  considered  as  a  profession — it  is  a  divine 
mission !  Physic  !  physic,  my  boy  !  The  healing  art  ! 
that's  the  profession  for  you  !   And  I  am  very  glad  to  hear 


THE  WASTING  HEAKT. 


129 


you  declare  for  it,  too ;  for  now  the  way  is  perfectly 
clear 

Both  mother  and  son  looked  up  in  surprise. 

Yes,  the  way  is  perfectly  clear.  Nothing  is  easier  I 
Traverse  shall  come  and  read  medicine  in  my  ofiSce.  I 
shall  be  glad  to  have  the  lad  there.  It  will  amuse  me  to 
give  him  instruction  occasionally  !  I  have  a  positive  mania 
for  teaching.-'^ 

And  for  doing  good  !  Oh,  sir,  how  have  we  deserved 
this  kindness  at  your  hands  ?  and  how  shall  we  ever,  ever 
repay  it  ?"  cried  Mrs.  Eocke,  in  a  broken  voice,  while  the 
tears  filled  her  gentle  eyes. 

Oh,  pooh,  pooh  !  a  mere  nothing,  ma^am  !  a  mere 
nothing  for  me  to  do,  whatever  it  may  prove  to  him.  It  is 
very  hard,  indeed,  if  I  am  to  be  crushed  under  a  cart  load 
of  thanks  for  doing  something  for  a  boy  I  like,  when  it 
does  not  cost  me  a  cent  of  money,  or  a  breath  of  effort.^^ 

*'0h,  sir,  your  generous  refusal  of  our  thanks  does  but 
deepen  our  obligation, said  Marah,  still  weeping. 

Now,  my  dear  madam,  will  you  persist  in  making  me 
confess  that  it  is  all  selfishness  on  my  part  ?  I  lilce  the 
boy,  I  tell  you  !  I  shall  like  his  bright,  cheerful  face  in 
my  office.    I  can  make  him  very  useful  to  me,  also  " 

Oh,  sir  !  if  you  can  and  will  only  make  him  useful  to 
you  " 

^*Why,  to  be  sure  I  can,  and  will  !  He  can  act  as  my 
clerk,  keep  my  accounts,  write  my  letters,  drive  out  witli 
me,  and  sit  in  the  gig  while  I  go  in  to  visit  my  patients, 
for  though  I  have  pretty  much  retired  from  practice, 

stm  ! 

Still  you  visit  and  prescribe  for  the  sick  poor, 
gratis !"  added  Marah,  feelingly. 

'^Pooh,  pooh!  habit,  madam,  habit !  'ruling  passion 
strong  in  death,'  etc.  I  can%  for  the  life  of  me,  keep 
from  giving  people  bread  pills  !  And  now,  by  the  way,  I 
must  be  off  to  see  some  of  my  patients  in  Staunton  !  Trtiv- 


130 


THE  WASTING  HEART. 


erse^  my  lad — my  young  medical  assistant,  I  mean — are  you 
willing  to  go  with  me 

Oh,  sir,"  said  the  boy,  and  here  his  voice  broke"  down 
with  emotion. 

Come  along,  then  \"  laughed  the  doctor ;  ^'you  shall 
drive  with  me  into  the  village  as  a  commencement/' 

Traverse  got  his  hat,  while  the  doctor  held  out  his  hand 
to  Mrs.  Rocke,  who,  with  her  eyes  full  of  tears,  and  her 
voice  faltering  with  emotion,  began  again  to  thank  liim, 
when  he  good-hum oredly  interrupted  her  by  saying  : 

Now,  my  good  little  womoji,  do— pray — hush!  Vm 
a  selfish  fellow,  as  you'll  see  !  I  do  nothing  but  what 
pleases  my  own  self,  and  makes  me  happy  !  Good-bye  ! 
God  bless  you,  madam  \"  he  cried,  cordially  shaking  her 
hand.  "  Come,  Traverse,''  he  added,  hurriedly  striding  out 
of  the  door  and  through  the  yard,  to  the  gate  before  which 
the  old  green  gig  and  sorrel  mare  were  still  waiting. 

Traverse,  I  brought  you  out  again  to-day,  more  espec- 
ially to  speak  of  your  mother  and  her  state  of  health,"  said 
Doctor  Day,  very  seriously,  as  they  both  took  their  seats  in 
the  gig  and  drove  on  towards  the  town.  ''Traverse,  your 
mother  is  in  no  immediate  danger  of  death,  in  fact,  she  has 
no  disease  whatever  !" 

''Oh,  sir,  you  do  not  think  her  ill,  then  !  I  thought 
you  did  not,  from  the  fact  that  you  never  felt  her  pulse,  or 
gave  her  a  prescription  !"  exclaimed  Traverse,  delightedly, 
for  in  one  thing  the  lad  resembled  his  mother — he  was 
sensitive  and  excitable — easily  depressed  and  easily  exhila- 
rated. 

"  Traverse,  I  said  your  mother  is  in  no  immediate  dan- 
ger of  death,  for  that  in  fact  she  has  no  disease  ;  but  yet. 
Traverse,  brace  yourself  up,  for  I  am  about  to  strike  you  a 
heavy  blow  !    Traverse  !  Marah  Rocke  is — starving 

"  Starving  !  Heaven  of  Heavens  !  no  !  that  is  not  so  ! 
it  cannot  be  !  My  mother  starving  !  oh,  horrible  !  horrible  I 
But,  Doctor,  it  cannot — cannot  be !   Why,  we  have  two 


THE  WASTING  HSABT, 


131 


meals  a  day  at  our  house  cried  the  boy,  almost  beside  him- 
self with  agitation. 

Lad,  there  are  other  starvations  beside  the  total  lack 
of  food  !  there  are  slow  starvations  and  divers  ones  !  Marali 
Eocke  is  starving  slowly  and  in  every  way  !  mind,  soul  and 
body  !  her  body  is  slowly  wasting  from  the  want  of  pro^^er 
nutriment,  her  heart  from  the  want  of  human  sympathy, 
her  mind  from  the  need  of  social  intercourse.  Her  whole 
manner  of  life  must  be  changed  if  she  is  to  live  at  all  V 

*'0h,  sir,  I  understand  you  now  !  I  feel,  I  feel  that  you 
speak  the  very  truth  !  Something  must  be  done  !  I  must 
do  something.    What  shall  it  be  ?    Oh,  advise  me,  sir  I" 

"I  must  reflect  a  little.  Traverse,"  said  the  doctor, 
thoughtfully,  as  he  drove  along  with  very  slack  reins. 

"  And,  oh,  how  thoughtless  of  me  !  I  forgot,  indeed  I 
did,  sir,  when  I  so  gladly  accepted  your  offer  for  me  to 
read  with  you,  I  forgot  that  if  I  spent  every  day  reading  in 
your  office,  my  mother  would  sadly  miss  the  dollar  and  a 
half  a  week  I  made  by  doing  little  odd  j.obs  in  town." 

^^But  /  did  not  forget  it,  boy;  rest  easy  upon  that 
score  ;  and  now  let  me  reflect  how  we  can  best  serve  your 
good  little  mother  !"  said  the  doctor,  and  he  drove  slowly 
and  thoughtfully  along  for  about  twenty  minutes  before  he 
spoke  again,  when  he  said  : 

"  Traverse,  Monday  is  the  first  of  the  month.  You 
shall  set  in  with  me  then.  Come  to  me,  therefore,  on 
Monday,  and  I  think  by  that  time,  I  shall  have  thought 
upon  some  plan  for  your  mother.  In  the  meantime,  you 
may  make  as  much  money  at  jobs  as  you  can,  and  also  you 
must  acc?pt  from  me  for  her  a  bottle  or  so  of  port  wine  and 
a  turkey  or  two  !  Tell  her,  if  she  demurs,  that  it  is  the 
doctor's  prescription,  and  that  for  fear  of  accidents  he 
always  prefers  to  send  his  own  physic  !" 

Oh,  Doctor  Day,  if  I  could  only  thank  you  aright  !" 
cried  Traverse. 

"  Pooh,  pooh  !  nonsense  !  there  is  no  time  for  it.  Here 


132' 


cap's  country  capers. 


we  are  at  Spicer's  grocery  store,  where  I  suppose  you  are 
again  employed.  Yes  ?  Well,  jump  out  then.  You  can 
still  make  half  a  day.  Mind,  remember  on  Monday  next, 
December  1st,  you  enter  my  office  as  my  medical  student, 
and  by  that  time  I  shall  have  some  plan  arranged  for  your 
mother.  Good-bye  !  God  bless  you  lad  V  said  the  good 
doctor,  as  he  drove  off  and  left  Traverse  standing  in  the 
genial  Tautumn  sunshine,  with  his  heart  swelling  and  his 
eyes  overflowing  with  excess  of  gratitude  and  happiness. 


CHAPTER  XVm 
cap's  country  capers. 

"  A  willful  elf — an  uncle's  child. 
That  half  a  pet  and  half  a  pest, 
Was  still  reproved,  endured,  caressed 
Yet  never  tamed,  though  never  spoiled." 

Oapitola  at  first  was  delighted  and  half  incredulous  at 
the  great  change  in  her  fortunes.  The  spacious  and  com- 
fortable mansion  of  which  she  found  herself  the  little  mis- 
tress ;  the  high  rank  of  the  veteran  officer  who  claimed  her 
as  his  ward  and  niece  ;  the  abundance,  regularity,  and 
respectability  of  her  new  life  ;  the  leisure,  the  privacy,  the 
attendance  of  servants,  were  all  so  entirely  different  from 
anything  to  which  she  had  previously  been  accustomed,  that 
there  were  times  when  she  doubted  its  reality,  and  distrusted 
her  own  identity  or  her  sanity. 

Sometimes,  of  a  morning,  after  a  very  vivid  dream  of 
the  alleys,  cellars,  and  gutters,  rag-pickers,  newsboys,  and 
beggars  of  New  York,  she  would  open  her  eyes  upon  her 
own  comfortable  chamber,  with  its  glowing  fire  and  crimson 


OAP^S  COtTNTRY  0APEE8. 

curtains,  its  briglit  mirror  crowning  the  walnut  bureau 
between  them,  and  would  jump  up  and  gaze  wildly  around, 
not  remember mg  where  she  was,  or  how  she  came  thither. 

Sometimes,  suddenly  started  by  an  intense  realization  of 
the  contrast  between  her  past  and  her  present  life,  she 
would  mentally  inquire  : 

^'  Can  this  be  really  /  myself,  and  not  another  ?  /,  the 
little  houseless  wanderer  through  the  streets  and  alleys  of 
New  York  ?  /,  the  little  news-girl  in  boy^s  clothes  ?  /, 
the  wretched  little  vagrant  that  was  brought  up  before  the 
Eecorder,  and  was  about  to  be  sent  to  the  House  of  Eefuge 
for  juvenile  delinquents  ?  Can  this  be  /,  Capitola,  the 
little  outcast  of  the  city,  now  changed  into  Miss  Black,  the 
young  lady,  perhaps  the  heiress  of  a  fine  old  country  seat  ! 
calling  a  fine  old  military  officer  uncle  !  having  a  handsome 
income  of  pocket-money  settled  upon  me  !  having  carriages, 
and  horses,  and  servants  to  attend  me  ?  No  ;  it  can^t  be  ! 
it^s  just  impossible.  No — I  see  how  it  is.  I^m  crazy,  tliat/s 
what  1  am — crazy  !  For  now  I  think  of  it,  the  last  thing 
I  remember  of  my  former  life  was  being  brought  before  the 
Recorder  for  wearing  boy^s  clothes.  Now  Fm  sure  that  it 
was  upon  that  occasion  that  I  went  suddenly  mad  with 
trouble,  and  all  the  rest  is  a  lunatic's  fancy.  This  fine  old 
country  seat,  of  which  I  vainly  think  myself  the  mistress, 
is  just  tlie  pauper  mad-house  to  wliich  the  magistrates  have 
sent  me.  This  fine  old  military  officer  whom  I  call  my 
uncle  is  the  head-doctor.  The  servants  who  come  at  my 
call  are  the  keepers. 

There  is  no  figure  out  of  my  past  life  in  my  present 
one,  except  Herbert  Greyson.  But,  pshaw  !  he  is  not  '  the 
nephew  of  his  uncle  !'  he  is  only  my  old  comrade  Herbert 
Greyson,  the  sailor  lad,  who  comes  here  to  the  mad-house 
to  see  me,  and  out  of  compassion  humors  all  my  fancies. 

"  I  wonder  how  long  they'll  keep  me  here  ?  Forever  I 
hope.    Until  I  get  cured  I'm  sure  !   I  hope  they  won't 


134 


cure  me.  I  vow  I  won^t  le  cured.  It's  a  great  deal  too 
pleasant  to  be  mad,  and  I'll  stay  so.  I'll  keep  on  calling 
myself  Miss  Black,  and  this  mad-house  my  country  seat, 
and  the  head-doctor  my  uncle,  and  the  keepers  servants  until 
the  end  of  time — so  I  will.  Catch  me  coming  to  my  senses 
when  it's  so  delightful  to  be  mad.  I'm  too  sharp  for  tliat. 
I  didn't  grow  up  in  Rag  Alley,  New  York,  for  nothing." 

So,  half  in  jest  and  half  in  earnest,  Oapitola  soliloquized 
upon  lier  change  of  fortune. 

Her  education  was  commenced,  but  progressed  rather 
irregularly.  Old  Hurricane  bought  her  books  and  maps, 
slates  and  copy-books,  set  her  lessons  in  grammar,  geogra- 
phy and  history,  and  made  her  write  copies,  do  sums,  and 
read  and  recite  lessons  to  him.  Mrs.  Condiment  taught 
her  the  mysteries  of  cutting  and  basting,  back-stiching  and 
felling,  hemming  and  seaming.  A  pupil  as  sharp  as  Capi- 
tola  soon  mastered  her  tasks,  and  found  herself  each  day 
with  many  houi's  of  leism^e,  with  which  she  did  not  know 
what  to  do. 

Tiiese  hours  were  at  first  occupied  with  exploring  the 
old  house,  with  all  its  attics,  cuddies,  cock-lofts  and  cel- 
lars ;  then  in  wandering  through  the  old  ornamental 
grounds,  that  were,  even  in  winter  and  in  total  neglect, 
beautiful  with  their  wild  growth  of  evergreens  ;  thence  she 
extended  her  researches  into  the  wild  and  picturesque  coun- 
try around. 

She  was  never  weary  of  admiring  the  great  forest  that 
climbed  the  heights  of  the  moantains  behind  their  house  ; 
the  great  bleak  precipices  of  gi'ay  rocks  seen  through  the 
le;ifiess  branches  of  the  trees  ;  the  I'ugged  falling  grouiMl  tiiat 
lay  before  the  house,  and  between  it  and  the  river  ;  and  the 
river  itself,  with  its  rushing  stream  and  raging  rapids. 

Capitola  had  become  a  skilful  as  she  had  first  been  a 
fearless  rider.  But  her  rides  were  confined  to  the  domain 
between  the  mountain  range  and  the  river ;  she  was  for- 
bidden to  ford  the  one  or  to  climb  the  other.    Perhaps  if 


cap's  country  capees. 


135 


such  a  proliibitiou  had  never  been  made,  Cap  would  never 
thought  of  doing  the  one  or  the  other  ;  but  we  all  know 
the  diabolical  fascination  there  is  in  forbidden  pleasures  for 
young  human  nature.  And  no  sooner  had  Cap  been  com- 
manded, if  she  valued  her  safety,  not  to  cross  the  water  or 
climb  the  precipice,  than,  as  a  natural  consequence,  she 
began  to  wonder  what  was  in  the  valley  behind  the  moun- 
tain, and  what  might  be  in  the  woods  across  the  river  !  and 
she  longed,  above  all  things,  to  explore  and  find  out  for  her- 
self. She  would  eagerly  have  done  so,  notwithstanding  the 
prohibition  ;  but  Wool,  who  always  attended  her  rides,  was 
sadly  in  the  way ;  if  she  could  only  get  rid  of  Wool,  she 
resolved  to  go  upon  a  limited  exploring  expedition. 

One  day  a  golden  opportunity  occurred.  It  was  a  day  of 
unusual  beauty,  when  autumn  seemed  to  be  smiling  upon 
the  earth  with  her  brightest  smiles  before  passing  away. 
In  a  word,  it  was  Indian  summer.  The  beauty  of  the 
weather  had  tempted  Old  Hurricane  to  ride  to  the  county 
seat  on  particular  business  connected  with  his  ward  herself. 

Capitola,  left  alone,  amused  herself  with  her  tasks  until 
the  afternoon  ;  then  calling  a  boy,  she  ordered  him  to  saddle 
her  horse  and  bring  him  around. 

^*My  dear,  what  do  you  want  with  your  horse  ?  There 
is  no  one  to  attend  you  ;  Wool  has  gone  with  Ins  mas- 
ter,^' said  Mrs.  Condiment^  as  she  met  Oapitola  in  the  hall, 
habited  for  her  ride. 

I  know  that ;  but  I  cannot  be  mewed  up  here  in  the 
old  house  and  deprived  of  my  afternoon  ride  V  exclaimed 
Capitola,  decidedly. 

But,  my  dear,  you  must  never  think  of  riding  out 
alone  V  exclaimed  the  dismayed  Mrs.  Condiment. 

"Indeed  I  shall  though! — and  glad  of  the  oppor- 
tunity V  added  Cap,  mentally. 

But,  my  dear  love,  it  is  improper,  imprudent,  dan- 
gerous.^^ 

"Why  so  ?"  asked  Cap. 


136 


GAP  S  COUNTRY  CAPERS-l 


Good  gracious,  upon  every  account.  Suppose  you 
were  to  meet  with  ruffians ;  suppose — oli,  heaven  ! — sup- 
pose you  were  to  meet  with — Black  Donald  V 

"Mrs.  Condiment,  once  for  all  do  tell  me  who  this  ter- 
rible Black  Donald  is  ?  Is  he  the  Evil  one  himself,  or  the 
Man  in  the  Iron  Mask,  or  the  individual  that  struck  Billy 
Patterson,  or — who  is  he 

Who  is  Black  Donald  ?  Good  gracious,  child,  you 
ask  me  who  is  Black  Donald  ?" 

"  Yes — wJio  is  he  ?  where  is  he  ?  what  is  he,  that  every 
cheek  turns  pale  at  the  mention  of  his  name  ?"  asked  Cap- 
itola. 

Black  Donald  !  Oh,  my  child,  may  you  never  know 
more  of  Black  Donald  than  I  can  tell  you.  Black  Donald 
is  the  chief  of  a  band  of  ruthless  desperadoes  that  infest 
these  mountain  roads,  robbing  mail  coaches,  stealing 
negroes,  breaking  into  houses,  and  committing  every  sort 
of  depredation.  Their  hands  are  red  with  murder,  and 
their  souls  black  with  darker  crimes.^' 

"  Darker  crimes  than  murder  \"  ejaculated  Capitola. 
Yes,  child,  yes — there  are  darker  crimes  !  Only  last 
winter  he  and  three  of  his  gang  broke  into  a  solitary  house 
where  there  was  a  lone  woman  and  her  daughter,  and — it  is 
not  a  story  for  you  to  hear,  but  if  the  people  had  caught 
Black  Donald  then,  they  would  have  burnt  him  at  a  stake. 
His  life  is  forfeit  by  a  hundred  crimes.  He  is  an  outlaw, 
and  a  heavy  price  is  set  upon  his  head." 

"  And  can  no  one  take  him 
No,  my  dear  ;  at  least,  no  one  has  been  able  to  do  so 
yet.    His  very  haunts  are  unknown,  but  are  supposed  to 
be  in  concealed  mountain  caverns." 

"  How  I  would  like  the  glory  of  capturing  Black  Don- 
ald \"  said  Capitola. 

"  You,  child — you  capture  Black  Donald  !  You  are 
crazy." 

Oh,  by  stratagem  I  mean,  not  by  force  !   Oh,  how  I 


OAP^S  COUNTRY  CAPEES. 


137 


should  like  to  capture  Black  Donald  ! — There's  my  liorse. 
Good-bye  V 

And,  before  Mrs.  Condiment  could  raise  another 
objection,  Oapitola  ran  out,  sprang  into  her  saddle,  and 
was  seen  careering  down  the  hill  towards  the  river  as  fast 
as  her  horse  could  fly. 

My  lord,  but  the  major  will  be  hopping  if  he  finds  it 
out,"  was  good  Mrs.  Condiment's  dismayed  exclamation. 

Rejoicing  in  her  freedom.  Cap  galloped  down  to  the 
water  s  edge,  and  then  walked  her  horse  up  and  down  along 
the  course  of  the  stream  until  she  found  a  good  fording 
place.  Then  gathering  np  her  riding-skirt  and  throwing 
it  over  the  neck  of  her  horse,  she  plunged  boldly  into  the 
stream,  and  with  the  water  splashing  and  foaming  all 
around  her,  urged  him  onward  until  they  crossed  the  river 
and  climbed  up  the  oi)posite  bank.  A  bridle-path  lay  be- 
fore her,  leading  from  the  fording  place  through  a  deep 
wood.  That  path  attracted  her  ;  she  followed  it,  charmed 
alike  by  the  solitude  of  the  wood,  the  novelty  of  the  scene, 
and  her  own  sense  of  freedom.  But  one  thought  was  given 
to  the  story  of  Black  Donald,  and  that  was  a  rc-a.^suring 
one. 

''If  Black  Donald  is  a  mail-robber,  then  this  little 
bridle-path  is  far  enough  off  7iis  beat." 

And  so  saying,  she  gaily  galloped  along,  singing  as  she 
went,  following  the  narrow  path  up  hill  and  down  dale 
through  the  wintry  woods.  Drawn  on  by  the  attraction  of 
the  imhnoivn,  and  deceiving  herself  by  the  continued 
repetition  of  one  resolve,  namely  : 

''  When  I  get  to  the  top  of  the  7iext  hill,  and  see  what 
lies  bey(md,  then  I  will  turn  back,"  she  galloped  on  and  on 
— on  and  on — on  and  on  !  until  he  had  put  several  miles 
between  herself  and  her  home,  until  her  horse  began  to 
exhibit  signs  of  weariness,  and  the  level  rays  of  the  setting 
sun  were  striking  redly  through  the  leafless  branches  of 
the  trees. 


138 


CAP^S  COUKTBf  OAPEES. 


Cap  drew  rein  on  the  top  of  a  high,  wooded  liill,  and 
looked  about  her.  On  her  left  hand  the  sun  was  sinking  like 
a  ball  of  fire  below  the  horizon  ;  all  around  her  everywhere 
were  the  wintry  woods  ;  far  away,  in  the  direction  whence 
she  had  come,  she  saw  the  tops  of  the  mountains  behind 
Hurricane  Hall,  looking  like  blue  clouds  against  the  south- 
ern horizon  ;  the  Hall  itself  and  the  river  below  were  out 
of  sight. 

I  wonder  how  far  I  am  from  home  ?"  said  Capitola, 
uneasily;  somewhere  between  six  and  seven  miles,  I 
reckon.  Dear  me,  I  didn^t  mean  to  ride  so  far.  I've  got 
over  a  great  deal  of  ground  in  these  two  hours.  I  shall  not 
get  back  so  soon  ;  my  horse  is  tired  to  death ;  it  will  take 
me  three  hours  to  reach  Hurricane  Hall.  Good  gracious, 
it  will  be  pitch  dark  before  I  get  there.  'No,  thank  heaven, 
there'll  be  a  moon.  But  won't  there  be  a  row,  though  ! 
Whew  !  Well,  I  must  turn  about  and  lose  no  time.  Come, 
Gryi3 !  get  up,  Gyp  !  good  horse  !  we're  going  home  !" 

And  so  saying,  Capitola  turned  her  horse's  head  and 
urged  him  into  a  gallop. 

She  had  gone  on  for  about  a  mile,  and  it  was  growing 
dark,  and  her  horse  was  again  slackening  his  pace,  when 
she  tliought  she  heard  the  sound  of  another  horse's  hoofs 
behind  her.  She  drew  rein  and  listened,  and  was  sure  of 
it. 

Now,  without  being  the  least  of  a  coward,  Capitola 
thought  of  the  loneliness  of  the  woods,  and  the  lateness  of 
the  hour,  her  own  helplessness,  and — Black  Donald  !  And 
thinking  discretion  the  better  part  of  valor,"  she  urged 
her  horse  once  more  into  a  gallop,  for  a  few  hundred  yards  ; 
but  the  jaded  beast  soon  broke  into  a  trot,  and  subsided  into 
a  walk  that  threatened  soon  to  come  to  a  stand  still. 

The  invisible  pursuer  gained  on  her. 

In  vain  she  urged  her  steed  with  whip  and  voice ;  the 
poor  beast  would  obey  and  trot  for  a  few  yards,  and  then 
fall  into  a  walk. 


CAP  S  FEARFUL  ADVENTITEE. 


139 


The  thundering  footfalls  of  the  pursuing  horse  were 
close  in  the  rear. 

Oh.,  Gyp  !  is  it  possible  that^  instead  of  my  capturing 
Black  Donald,  you  are  going  to  let  Black  Donald  or  some- 
body else  catch  meT'  exclaimed  Capitola,  in  mock  despair, 
as  she  urged  her  wearied  steed. 

In  vain  I  The  pursuing  horseman  was  beside  her  !  a 
strong  hand  was  laid  upon  her  bridle  I  a  mocking  voice  was 
whispering  in  her  ear  : 

Wliither  away  so  fast,  pretty  one  f 


OHAPTEE  XVI. 

CAP'S  FEAHFUL  ADYEXTURE. 

"  Who  passes  by  this  road  so  late  ? 
Companion  of  the  Majohdne  ! 
Who  passes  by  this  road  so  late  ? 

Say  !  oh,  say  !  "  — Old  French  Song. 

Of  a  naturally  strong  constitution  and  adventurous  dis- 
position, and  inured  from  infancy  to  danger,  Capitola  pos- 
sessed a  high  degree  of  courage,  self-control,,  and  presence 
of  mind. 

At  the  touch  of  that  ruthless  hand,  at  the  sound  of  that 
gibing  voice,  all  her  fiiculties  instantly  collected  and  con- 
centrated themselves  upon  the  emergency.  As  by  a  fla-^li  of 
lightning  she  saw  every  feature  of  her  imminePit  d;in-cr — 
the  loneliless  of  the  woods,  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  the 
recklessness  of  her  fearful  companion,  and  her  own  weak- 
ness. In  another  instant  her  resolution  was  taken  and  her 
course  determined.  So,  when  the  stranger  repeated  his 
mocking  question  : 


140 


cap's  feakful  adventure. 


"  hither  away  so  fast,  pretty  one  ?"  she  answered  with 
animation  : 

Oh,  I  am  going  home,  and  so  glad  to  have  company  ; 
for  indeed  I  was  dreadfully  afraid  of  riding  alone  through 
these  woods  to-night  V 

Afraid,  pretty  one — what  of  ?" 
"Oh,  of  ghosts  and  witches,  wild  beasts,  runaway  negroes 
and— Black  Donald  V 

"  Then  you  are  not  afraid  of  me 
Lors  !  no,  indeed  !    I  guess  I  ain^t  !  why  should  I  be 
afraid  of  a  respectable-looking  gentleman  like  you,  sir 

^^And  so  you  are  going  home — where  is  jowv  home, 
pretty  one  ?" 

"  On  the  other  side  of  the  river  ;  but  you  need  not  keep 
on  calling  me  '  pretty  one,^  it  must  be  as  tiresome  to  you  to 
repeat  it  as  it  is  to  me  to  hear  \i" 

"  What  shall  I  call  you,  then,  my  dear 

"  You  may  call  me  Miss  Black,  or  if  you  are  friendly, 
you  may  call  me  Oapitola/' 

"  Capitola  !"  exclaimed  the  man,  in  a  deep  and 
changed  voice,  as  he  dropped  her  bridle. 

"Yes,  Capitola  !  what  objection  have  you  got  to  that  ? 
It  is  a  pretty  name,  isn't  it  ?  but  if  you  think  it  is  too  long, 
and  if  you  feel  very  friendly,  you  may  call  me  Cap." 

"Well,  then,  my  pretty  Cap,  where  do  you  live  across 
the  river  asked  the  stranger,  recovering  his  self-posses- 
sion. 

"  Oh,  at  a  rum  old  place  they  call  Hurricane  Hall,  with 
a  rum  old  military  officer  they  call  Old  Hurricane,"  said 
Capitola,  for  the  first  time  stealing  a  sidelong  glance  at  her 
fearful  companion. 

It  was  not  Black  Donald — that  was  the  first  conclusion 
to  which  she  rashly  jumped.  He  appeared  to  be  a  gentle- 
manly ruffian  about  forty  years  of  age,  well  dressed  in  a 
black  riding  suit ;  black  beaver  hat  drawn  down  close  over 
bis  eyes  ;  black  hair  and  whiskers  ;  heavy  black'  eyebrows 


cap's  feahftjl  adventure. 


141 


that  met  across  his  nose  ;  drooping  eyelasheS;,  and  eyes 
that  looked  out  under  the  corners  of  the  lids ;  altogether  a 
sly,  sinister,  cruel  face,  a  cross  between  fox  and  tiger  !  it 
warned  Capitola  to  expect  no  mercy  there  !  After  the  girFs 
last  words  he  seemed  to  have  fallen  into  thought  for  a 
moment,  and  then  again  he  spoke  : 

*^  Well,  my  pretty  Cap,  how  long  have  you  been  living 
at  Hurricane  Hall  ?" 

^'Ever  since  my  guardian,  Major  Warfield,  brought  me 
from  the  city  of  New  York,  where  I  received  my  education 
— {i7i  the  streets),''  she  mentally  added. 

Humph  !  why  did  you  ride  so  fast,  my  pretty  Cap  T* 
he  asked,  eyeiog  her  from  the  corner  of  his  eyes. 

"  Oh,  sir,  because  I  was  afraid,  as  I  told  you  before ; 
afraid  of  runawaj"  negroes  and  wild  beasts,  and  so  on — but 
now  with  a  good  gentleman  like  you  I  don't  feel  afraid  at 
all ;  and  Fm  very  glad  to  be  able  to  walk  poor  Gyp  ;  because 
he's  tired,  poor  fellow 

''Yes,  poor  fellow!''  said  the  traveler,  in  a  mocking 
tone,  ''he  is  tired  ;  suppose  you  dismount  and  let  him  rest. 
Come,  I'll  get  off,  too,  and  we  will  sit  down  here  by  the 
roadside  and  have  a  friendly  conversation." 

Capitola  stole  a  glance  at  his  face.  Yes,  notwithstand- 
ing his  light  tone,  he  was  grimly  in  earnest ;  there  was  no 
mercy  to  be  expected  from  that.«ly,  sinister,  cruel  face. 

"  Come,  my  pretty  Cap,  what  say  you  ?" 

"  I  don't  care  if  I  do/'  she  said,  riding  to  the  edge  of 
the  path,  drawing  rein,  and  looking  down  as  if  to  examine 
the  ground. 

"  Come,  little  beauty,  must  I  help  you  off  ?"  asked  the 
stranger. 

"  N-n-no,"  answered  Capitola,  with  deliberate  hesita- 
tion, "no,  this  is  not  a  good  place  to  sit  down  and  talk;  it's 
all  full  of  brambles." 

"  Very  Tfell ;  shall  we  go  on  a  little  further  ?" 


142 


cap's  feaeful  adventube. 


^''Oli^  yes  ;  but  I  don^fc  want  to  ride  fast,  because  it  will 
tire  my  horse." 

You  shall  go  just  as  you  please,  my  angel,"  said  the 
traveler. 

I  wonder  whether  this  wretch  thinks  me  very  simple 
or  very  depraved — he  must  have  come  to  one  or  the  other 
conclusion,  thought  Capitola. 

They  rode  on  very  slowly  for  a  mile  further,  and  then 
having  arrived  at  an  open  glade,  the  stranger  drew  rein,  and 
said  : 

Come,  pretty  lark,  hop  down  !  here^s  a  nice  place  to 
sit  and  rest." 

Very  well,  come  help  me  off  !"  said  Capitola,  pulling 
up  her  horse — then,  as  by  a  sudden  impulse,  she  exclaimed, 
I  don^t  like  this  place  either  !  it's  right  on  the  top  of  the 
hill !  so  windy  !  and  just  see  liow  rocky  the  ground  is  !  No  ! 
ril  not  sit  and  rest  here,  and  that  I  tell  you  !" 

I  am  afraid  you  are  trifling  with  me,  my  pretty  bird  ! 
take  care  !  Fll  not  be  trifled  with  !"  said  the  man. 

I  don't  know  what  you  mean  by  triflioig  with  you,  any 
more  than  the  dead.  But  I'll  not  sit  down  there  on  those 
sharp  rocks,  and  so  I  tell  you.  If  you  will  be  civil  and  ride 
along  with  me  until  we  get  to  the  foot  of  the  hill,  I  know  a 
place,  where  we  can  sit  down  and  have  a  good  talk,  and 
I  will  tell  you  all  my  travels,  and  you  shall  tell  me  all  yours. " 
'■^Ex-actly — and  where *s  that  nice  place  ?" 

Why,  in  the  valley  at  the  foot  of  the  hill." 

Come  !  come  on,  then." 

Slowly!  slowly!"  said  Capitola — ^'1  won't  tire  my 
horse." 

They  rode  over  the  hill,  down  the  gradual  descent,  and  on 
towards  the  centre  of  the  valley. 

They  were  now  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  river, 
on  the  opposite  side  of  which  was  Hurricane  Hall  and — 
safety  I    The  stranger  drew  rein,  saying  ; 


CAP'S  FEAEFUL  ADVENTURE. 


143 


"  Come,  my  cuckoo  !  here  we  are  at  the  bottom  of  the 
valley  !  now  or  never  \" 

Oh  !  now,  of  course  !  you  see  I  keep  my  promise/' 
answered  Capitola,  pulling  up  her  horse. 

The  man  sprang  from  his  saddle  and  came  to  her  side. 
Please  to  be  careful,  now,  don't  let  my  riding  skirt  get 
hung  in  the  stirrup,^^  said  Capitola,  cautiously  disengaging 
her  drapery,  rising  in  the  saddle  and  giving  the  stranger  her 
hand.  In  the  act  of  jumping,  she  suddenly  stopped  and 
looked  down,  exclaiming  : 

"  Good  gracious  !  how  very  damp  the  ground  is  here  in 
the  bottom  of  the  valley  \" 

^'More  objections,  I  suppose,  my  pretty  one  !  but  tlu^y 
won't  serve  you  any  longer.  I  am  bent  upon  hjiving  a  cozy 
chat  with  you,  upon  that  very  turf  !"  said  the  stranger, 
pointing  to  a  little  cleared  space  among  the  trees  beside  the 
path. 

'^Now,  don't  be  cross ;  just  see  how  damp  it  is  tljere ; 
it  would  spoil  my  riding-dress,  and  give  me  my  death  of 
cold.'' 

Hi0nph"  said  the  stranger,  looking  at  her  with  a  sly, 
grim,  cruel  resolve. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  it  is,"  said  Cap,  ^'  I'm  not  witty  nor 
amusing,  nor  will  ii pay  to  sit  out  in  the  night  air  to  heiir 
me  talk  ;  but  since  you  wish  it,  and  since  you  v/erc  so  g{.od 
as  to  guard  me  through  these  woods,  and  since  I  promised, 
why,  damp  as  it  is,  I  will  even  get  off  and  talk  with  you  !" 
That's  my  birdling." 

'^But  hold  on  one  minute.  Is  there  nothing  you  can 
get  to  put  there  for  me  to  sit  on — no  stump,  nor  dry  stone  ?" 

''No,  my  dear,  I  don't  see  any." 

''  Could  you  not  turn  your  hat  down  and  let  me  sit  on 
that  ?" 

''Ha,  ha,  ha  !  why,  your  weight  would  crush  it  as  flat 
as  a  flounder !" 

"Oh  !  I  know  now  !"  exclaimed  Capitola,  with  sudden 


GAP  S  FEARI^DL  ADVENTtJRE. 


delight.  You  just  spread  your  saddle  cloth  down  there, 
and  that  will  make  a  beautiful  seat,  and  Vll  sit  and  talk 
with  you  so  nicely — only  you  must  not  want  me  to  stay  long, 
because  if  I  don^t  get  home  soon  I  shall  catch  a  scolding." 

You  shall  neither  catch  a  scolding  nor  a  cold  on  my 
account,  pretty  one  \"  said  the  man,  going  to, his  horse  to 
get  the  saddle-cloth. 

Oh,  don^t  take  off  the  saddle  ;  it  will  detain  you  too 
long,''  said  Cap,  impatiently. 

"  My  pretty  Cap,  I  cannot  get  the  cloth  without  taking 
it  off,''  said  the  man,  beginning  to  unbuckle  the  girth. 

Oh,  yes  you  can  !  you  can  draw  it  from  under  !"  per- 
sisted Cap. 

Impossible,  my  angel  !"  said  the  man,  lifting  off  the 
saddle  from  his  horse  and  laying  it  carefully  by  the  road- 
side. 

Then  he  took  off  the  gay,  crimson  saddle-cloth,  and 
carried  it  into  the  little  clearing  and  began  carefully  to 
spread  it  down. 

Now  was  Cap's  time.  Her  horse  had  recovered  from 
his  fatigue.  The  stranger's  horse  was  in  the  path  before 
her.  While  the  man's  back  was  turned,  she  raised  her  rid- 
ing-whip, and  with  a  shout,  gave  the  front  horse  a  sharp 
lash  that  sent  him  galloping  furiously  ahead.  Then  in- 
stantaneously putting  whip  to  her  own  horse,  she  started 
into  a  run. 

Hearing  the  shout,  the  lash,  and  the  starting  of  the 
horses,  the  baffled  villain  turned  and  saw  that  his  game  was 
lost !  He  had  been  outwitted  by  a  child  !  He  gnashed  his 
teeth  and  shook  his  fist  in  rage. 

Turning,  as  she  wheeled  out  of  sight,  Capitola — I'm 
sorry  to  say — put  her  thumb  to  the  side  of  her  nose,  and 
whirled  her  fingers  into  a  semi-circle,  in  a  gesture  more 
expressive  than  elegant. 


ANOTHEB  BTOEM  AT  HUERIGANE  HALL.  l45 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

ANOTHER  STOEM  AT  HUEEICANE  HALL. 

"  At  this,  Sir  Knight  grew  high  in  wroth, 
And  hfting  hands  and  eyes  up  both, 
Three  times  he  smote  ou  stomach  stout. 
From  whence,  at  length,  fierce  words  broke  out."- 

— HUDIBRAS. 

The  moon  was  shining  full  upon  the  river  and  the 
household  beyond^  when  Capitola  dashed  into  the  water, 
and  amid  the  sparkling  and  leaping  of  the  foam,  made  her 
way  to  the  other  bank,  and  rode  up  the  rugged  ascent.  On 
the  outer  side  of  the  lawn  wall,  the  moonbeams  fell  full 
upon  the  little  figure  of  Pitapat,  waiting  there. 

Why,  Patty,  what  takes  you  out  so  late  as  this 
asked  Capitola,  as  she  rode  up  to  the  gate. 

^^Oh,  Miss  Caterpillar,  Fse  waitin^  for  yon  I  Ole  Marse 
is  dreadful,  lie  is  I  jes  fit  to  burst  the  shingles  offen  the  roof 
with  swearing  !  So  I  come  out  to  warn  you,  so  you  can 
steal  in  the  back  way  and  go  to  your  rooms  so  he  won^t  see 
you,  and  Fli  go  and  send  Wool  to  put  your  horse  away, 
and  then  Til  bring  you  up  some  supper,  and  tell  Ole  Marse 
how  you've  been  home  ever  so  long,  and  gone  to  bed  with 
a  werry  bad  head-ache." 

^'  Thank  you,  Patty.  It  is  perfectly  astonishing,  how 
easy  lying  is  to  you.  You  really  deserve  to  have  been 
born  in  Eag  Alley.  But  I  won't  trouble  the  Recording 
Angel  to  make  another  entry  against  you  on  my  account.'-' 

Yes,  Miss,^'  said  Pitapat,  who  thought  that  her  mis- 
tress was  complimenting  her. 

And  now,  Patty,  stand  out  of  my  way.  Fm  going  to 
ride  straight  \sg  to  the  horse-block,  dismount,  and  walk 


146 


ANOTHEB  STORM  AT  HtJREIOAlirE  HALL. 


right  into  the  presence  of  Major  Warfield  V  said  Oapitola^ 
j)assing  through  the  gate. 

Oh,  Miss  Caterpillar,  don't !  don't !  he'll  kill  you,  so 
he  will  V 

"  Who's  afeared  ?"  muttered  Cap  to  herself,  as  she  put 
her  horse  to  his  mettle,  and  rode  gaily  tlirbugli  the  ever- 
greens, up  to  the  horse-block,  where  she  sprang  down 
lightly  from  her  saddle. 

Gathering  u])  lier  train  with  one  hand  and  tossing  back 
her  head,  she  swept  along  toward  the  house  with  the  air  of 
a  young  princess. 

There  was  a  vision  calculated  to  test  her  firmness. 
Eoader  1  did  you  ever  see  a  raging  lion  tearing  to  and  fro 
the  narrow  limits  of  his  cage,  and  occasionally  shaking  the 
amphitheatre  with  bis  tremendous  roar  ?  or  a  furious  bull 
tossing  Jiis  head  and  tail,  and  ploughing  up  the  earth  with 
his  hoofs  as  he  careered  back  and  forth  between  the  boun- 
daries of  his  pen  ?  If  you  have  seen  and  noted  these  mad 
bi'utcs,  you  may  form  some  faint  idea  of  the  frenzy  of  Old 
Hurricane,  as  he  stormed  up  and  down  the  fioo]*  of  the 
front  piazza. 

Cap  had  just  escaped  an  actual  danger  of  too  terrible  a 
character  to  be  frightened  now  by  sound  and  fary.  Com- 
posedly she  v/alked  up  into  the  porch,  and  said  : 
Grood  evening,  uncle." 

The  old  man  stoj)ped  short  in  his  furious  strides,  and 
ghired  upon  her  with  his  terrible  eyes. 

Cap  stood  fire  without  blenching,  merely  remarking  : 
N^ow  I  have  no  doubt  that  in  the  days  when  you  went 
battleing,  that  look  used  to  strike  terror  into  the  l)e;irt  of 
the  enemy,  but  it  doesn't  into  mine,  somehow!" 

^'^Miss  1"  roared  the  old  man,  bringing  down  his  cane 
with  a  resounding  thump  upon  the  floor;  ^^Miss  !  how 
dare  you  have  the  impudence  to  face  me,  much  less  tlie — 
the — the  assurance  I — the  effrontery  ! — the  audacity  !  the 
brass  to  speak  to  me  !" 


ANOTHER  STOEM  AT  nURRIOANE  HALL. 


147 


"  Well,  I  declare/^  said  Gap,  calmly  untj'ing  her  liat, 
^^this  is  the  first  time  I  ever  heard  it  was  impudent  in  a 
little  girl  to  give  her  uncle  good  evening.''^ 

The  old  man  trotted  up  and  down  the  piazza  two  or 
three  turns,  then  stopping  short  before  the  delinquent,  he 
struck  his  caue  down  upon  the  floor  with  a  ringing  stroke, 
and  thundered  : 

"Young  woman  !  tell  me  instantly,  and  without  pre- 
varication, where  you  have  been 

'^Certainly,  sir;  ''going  to  and  fro  iu  the  earth,  and 
walking  up  and  down  in  it  !' "  said  Cap,  quietly. 

'^Flames  and  furies,  that  is  no  answer  at  all! 
Where  have  you  been  roared  Old  Hurricane,  shaking 
with  excitement. 

^^Look  here,  uncle,  if  you  go  on  that  way  you^ll  have  a 
fit  presently  \"  said  Cap,  calmly. 

Where  have  you  been  !"  thundored  Old  Hurri- 
cane. 

"  Well,  since  you  will  know— just  across  the  river,  aud 
through  the  woods  and  back  again  !'' 

And  didn't  1  fori  id  you  to  do  that,  minion  ?  and  how 
dare  you  disobey  me  ?  Yoit,  the  creature  of  my  bounty  ! 
yov,  the  miserable  little  vagraut  that  I  picked  up  in  the 
alleys  of  New  York,  and  tj^ied  to  make  a  young  lady  of  ;  but 
an  old  proverb  says — ^  You  can't  make  a  silken  purse  out 
of  a  pig's  ear  V  How  dare  you,  you  little  beggar,  disobey 
your  benefactor  ! — a  man  of  my  age,  character  and 
position  ? — I — I — — "  Old  Hurricane  turned  abruptly,  and 
raged  up  and  down  the  piazza. 

All  this  time  Capitola  had  been  standing  quietly,  hold- 
ing up  her  train  with  one  hand  and  her  riding  hat  in  the 
other.  At  this  last  insult  she  raised  her  dark  gray  eyes  to 
his  face  with  one  long,  indignaut,  sorrowful  gaze,  then  turn- 
ing silently  away,  and  entering  the  house,  she  left  Old 
Hurricane  to  storm  up  and  down  the  piazza  until  he  had 
raged  himself  to  rest. 


148  ANOTHER  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 

Header  !  I  do  not  defend,  far  less  approve,  poor  Cap ! 
I  only  tell  her  story  and  describe  her  as  I  have  seen  her, 
leaving  her  to  your  charitable  interpretation. 

Next  morning  Capitola  came  down  into  the  breakfast- 
room  with  one  idea  prominent  in  her  hard,  little  head — to 
which  she  mentally  gave  expression  : 

Well  as  I  like  that  old  man,  he  must  not  permit  him- 
self to  talk  to  me  in  that  indecent  strain,  and  so  he  must 
be  made  to  know.^^ 

When  she  entered  the  breakfast-room,  she  found  Mrs. 
Condiment  already  at  the  head  of  the  table,  and  old  Hurri- 
cane at  the  foot.    He  had  quite  got  over  his  rage,  and 
turned  around  blandly  to  welcome  his  ward,  saying  : 
Good-morning,  Cap.-*^ 

Without  taking  the  slightest  notice  of  the  salutation. 
Cap,  sailed  on  to  her  seat. 

Humph  !  did  you  hear  me  say,  ^  Good-morning / 

Without  paying  the  least  attention,  Capitola  readied 
out  her  hand  and  took  a  cup  of  coffee  from  Mrs.  Condiment. 

Humph  !  Humph  !  Good-morning,  Capitola  said 
old  Hurricane,  with  marked  emphasis.  Apparently  without 
hearing  him.  Cap  helped  herself  to  a  buckwlieat-cake,  and 
daintily  buttered  it. 

*^  Humph  !  humph  !  humph  !  well,  as  you  said  your- 
self, '  a  dumb  devil,  is  better  than  a  speaking  one  !' "  ejacu- 
lated Old  Hurricane,  as  he  sat  down  and  subsided  into 
silence. 

Doubtless  the  old  man  would  have  flown  into  another 
passion,  had  that  been  possible;  but,  in  truth,  he  had 
spent  so  much  vitality  in  rage  number  07ie,  that  he  had 
none  left  to  sustain  rage  number  two.  Besides,  he  knew  it 
would  be  necessary  to  blow  up  Bill  Ezy,  his  lazy  overseer, 
before  night,  and  perhaps  saved  himself  for  that  perform- 
ance.   He  finished  his  meal  in  silence,  and  went  out. 

Cap  finished  hers  ;  and,  '  tempering  justice  with  mercy,' 
went  up  stairs  to  his  room,  and  looked  over  all  his  appoint- 


/ 


ANOTHER  STOEM  AT  HUKEICANE  HALL.  149 

ments  and  belongings  to  find  what  she  could  do  for  his 
extra  comfort ;  and  found  a  job  in  newly  lining  his  warm 
slippers,  and  the  sleeves  of  his  dressing-gown. 

They  met  again  at  the  dinner-table. 

"  How  do  you  do.  Cap  ?"  said  Old  Hurricane,  as  he 
took  his  seat. 

Capitola  poured  out  a  glass  of  water  and  drank  it  in 
silence,  and  without  looking  at  him. 

^^Oh  !  very  well  !  ^  a  dumb  devil,  etc.,''^''  exclaimed  Old 
Hurricane,  addressing  himself  to  his  dinner.  When  the 
meal  was  over  they  again  separated.  The  old  man  went  to 
his  study  to  examine  his  farm  books,  and  Capitola  back  to 
her  chamber  to  finish  lining  his  warm  slippers. 

Again  at  tea  they  met. 

"  Well,  Cap,  is  ^  the  dumb  devil '  cast  out  yet  he 
said,  sitting  down. 

Capitola  took  a  cup  of  tea  from  Mrs.  Condiment  and 
passed  it  on  to  him  in  silence. 

Humph,  not  gone  yet,  eh  ? — ^poor  girl  !  how  it  must 
try  you  !"  said  Old  Hurricane. 

After  supper  the  old  man  found  his  dressing-gown  and 
slippers  before  the  fire  all  ready  for  his  use. 

Cap,  you  monkey  !  you  did  this,^'  he  said,  turning 
around.    But  Capitola  had  already  left  the  room. 

Next  morning  at  breakfast  there  was  a  repetition  of  the 
same  scene.  Early  in  the  forenoon  Major  Warfield  ordered 
his  horses,  and,  attended  by  Wool,  rode  up  to  Tip-Top. 
He  did  not  return  either  to  dinner  or  tea,  but  as  that  cir- 
cumstance was  not  unusual  it  gave  no  one  uneasiness. 
Mrs.  Condiment  kept  his  supper  warm,  and  Capitola  had 
his  dressing-gown  and  slippers  ready. 

She  was  turning  them  before  the  fire  when  the  old  man 
arrived.    He  caino  in  quite  gayly,  saying  : 

Now,  Cap,  I  think  I  have  found  a  talisman  at  last  to 
cast  out  that  'dumb  devil/  I  heard  you  wishing  for  a 
watch  the  other  day.    Now,  as  "^^devils  belong  to  eternity, 


150 


ANOTHER  STOKM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 


and  have  no  business  with  time,  of  course  the  sight  of  this 
little  time-keeper  must  put  yours  to  fliglit  and  so  saying 
he  laid  upon  the  table,  before  the  eyes  of  Capitola,  a  beau- 
tiful little  gold  watch  and  chain.  She  glanced  at  it,  as  it 
lay  glittering  and  sparkling  in  the  lamp-light,  and  then 
turned  abruptly  and  walked  away. 

Humph  !  that^s  always  the  way  the  devils  do  !  fly  when 
they  can^t  stand  shot  V 

Oapitola  deliberately  walked  back,  laid  a  paper  over  the 
little  watch  and  chain,  as  if  to  cover  its  fascinating  sparkle 
and  glitter,  and  said  : 

Uncle,  your  bounty  is  large,  and  your  present  is  beau- 
tiful ;  but  there  is  something  that  poor  Capitola  values  more 
than  that  " 

She  paused,  dropped  her  head  upon  her  bosom,  a  sudden 
blush  flamed  up  over  her  face,  and  tear  drops  glistened  in 
her  downcast  eyes  ;  she  put  both  hands  before  her  burning 
face  for  a  moment,  and  then  dropjoing  them,  resumed  : 

"Uncle!  you  rescued  me  from  misery,  and  perhaps, 
perliaps  early  death  !  you  have  heaped  benefits  and  bounties 
upon  me  without  measure  !  you  have  placed  me  in  a  home 
of  abundance,  honor  and  security  !  for  all  this,  if  I  were 
not  grateful,  I  should  deserve  no  less  than  death  !  But, 
uncle,  there  is  a  sin  that  is  worse,  or  at  least  more  ungener- 
ous, than  ingratitude  !  it  is  to  put  a  helpless  fellow  creature 
under  heavy  obligations,  and  then  treat  that  grateful  creature 
with  undeserved  contempt  and  cruel  unkindness  Once 
more  her  voice  was  choked  with  feeling. 

For  some  reason  or  other,  Capitola's  tears,  perhaps  be- 
cause they  were  so  rare,  always  moved  Old  Hurricane  to  his 
hearths  center  ;  going  towards  her  softly  he  aid  : 

"  Now,  my  dear,  now  my  child,  now  my  little  Cap,  you 
hnoio  it  was  all  for  your  own  good  !  Why,  my  dear,  I  never 
for  one  instant  regretted  bringing  you  to  the  house,  and  I 
wouldn^t  part  with  you  for  a  kingdom  !  Come  now,  my 
child,  come  to  the  heart  of  your  old  uncle." 


ANOTHER  STOEM  AT  HUKRICA2TE  HALL. 


151 


Xow  the  soul  of  Capitol  a  naturally  abhorred  seutimeut  I 
If  ever  she  gave  ^av  ro  serious  emorioii,,  she  was  sure  to 
avenge  herself  by  being  more  capricious  than  before.  Conse- 
quently flinging  herself  ont  of  the  caressing  arms  of  Old 
Hurricane^,  she  exclaimed  : 

Uncle  I  I  won't  be  treated  with  both  kicks  and  half- 
pennies by  the  same  person — and  so  I  tell  you.  I'm  nut  a 
cur  to  be  fed  with  roast-beef  and  beaten  with  a  stick  !  nor, 
nor,  nor  a  Turk^s  slave  to  be  caressed  and  oppressed  as  her 
master  likes  ! — Such  abuse  as  you  heaped  upon  me,  I  never 
heard — no,  not  even  in  Eag  Alley.'"'' 

Oh,  my  dear,  mv  dear,  for  Heaven's  sake  forget  liag 
Alley." 

^'I  won't  I  I  vow  I'll  go  back  to  Eag  Alley,  for  a  very 
little  more  I  Freedom  and  peace  are  even  sweeter  than 
wealth  and  honors  V' 

Ah,  but  I  wotildn't  let  you,  my  little  Cap.*'" 

Then  I'd  have  you  np  before  the  nearest  magistrate, 
to  show  by  what  right  yon  detained  me  I  Ah,  ba  I  I  wasn't 
brought  tip  in  Xew  York  for  nothing  V 

Whee-ew  !  and  all  this  because,,  for  her  own  good,  I 
gave  my  own  nicce  and  ward  a  little  gentle  admonition.'^ 

Gentle  admonition  I  Do  yon  call  that  gentle  aduioni- 
tion  ?  Why,  uncle,  you  are  enough  to  frighten  most  people 
to  death  with  your  fury  I  You  are  a  perfect  dragon  I  a 
griffin  I  a  Eussian  bear  I  a  Bengal  tiger  I  a  Xumidiau  lion  I 
I  declare  if  I  d^n't  vaite  and  ask  some  menagerie  man  to 
send  a  party  down  here  to  catch  yon  for  his  show.  You'd 
droAC,  I  tell  you  \'' 

Yes  I  especially  with  you  for  a  keeper  to  stir  me  np 
once  in  a  while  with  a  long  pole 

"  And  that  Td  engage  to  do — cTieaj:) 
The  entrance  of  Mrs.  Condiment  with  the  tea-tray  ]ntt 
an  end  to  the  controvL-rsy.    It  vras.  as  yet.  a  drawn  battle. 

And  what  about  the  vv-atch,  my  little  Cap  ?'■' 
"  Take  it  back,  uncle,  if  yon  please." 


152  ANOTHER  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 


But  they  won^t  have  it  back  !  it  has  got  your  initials 
engraved  upon  it — ^look  here/^  said  the  old  man^  holding 
the  watch  to  her  eyes. 

C.  L.  N.  Those  are  not  my  initials/^  said  Oapitola, 
looking  up  with  surprise. 

''Why,  so  they  are  not !  the  blamed  fools  have  made  a 
mistake  ! — but  you^ll  have  to  take  it,  Cap.^^ 

''No,  uncle,  keep  it  for  the  present,"  said  Oapitola,  who 
was  too  honest  to  take  a  gift  that  she  felt  she  did  not 
deserve,  and  yet  too  j^roud  to  confess  as  much. 

Peace  was  proclaimed — for  the  present. 

Alas  !  ^twas  but  of  short  continuance.  During  these 
two  days  of  coolness  and  enforced  quietude  Old  Hurricane 
had  gathered  a  store  of  bad  humors  that  required  expen- 
diture. 

So  the  very  next  day  something  went  wrong  upon  the 
farm,  and  Old  Hurricane  came  storming  home,  driving  his 
overseer,  poor,  old,  meek  Billy  Ezy  and  his  man  Wool,  be- 
fore him. 

Billy  Ezy  was  whimpering  ;  Wool  was  sobbing  aloud  ; 
Old  Hurricane  was  roaring  at  them  both  as  he  drove  them 
on  before  him — swearing  that  Ezy  should  go  and  find  him- 
self a  new  home,  and  Wool  should  go  and  seek  another 
master. 

And  for  this  cause  Old  Hurricane  was  driving  them  on 
to  his  study,  that  he  might  pay  the  overseer  his  last  quar- 
ter's salary,  and  give  the  servant  a  written  order  to  find  a 
master. 

He  raged  past  Capitola  in  the  hall,  and  meeting  Mrs, 
Condiment  at  the  study  door,  ordered  her  to  bring  in  her 
account  book  directly,  for  that  he  would  not  be  imposed 
upon  any  longer,  but  meant  to  drive  all  the  lazy,  idle,  dis- 
honest eye-servants  and  time-servers  from  the  house  and 
land  ! 

"What's  the  matter  now  ?"  said  Capitola  meeting  her. 
"  Oh,  child,  he's  in  his  terrible  tantrums  again  !  He 


ANOTHER  STOEM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL.  153 


gets  into  these  ways  every  once  in  a  while,  when  a  young 
calf  perishes,  or  a  sheep  is  stolen,  or  anything  goes  amiss, 
and  then  he  abuses  us  all  for  a  pack  of  loiterers,  sluggards 
and  thieves,  and  pays  us  off  and  orders  us  off.  We  don^t 
go,  of  course,  because  we  know  he  doesn^t  mean  it ;  still  it 
is  very  trying  to  be  talked  to  so.  Oh  !  I  should  go,  but. 
Lord,  child  !  he^s  a  bear,  but  we  love  him.^^ 

Just  as  she  spoke  the  study  door  opened,  and  Bill  Ezy 
came  out  sobbing,  and  Wool  lifting  up  his  voice  and  fairly 
roaring. 

Mrs.  Condiment  stepped  out  of  the  parlor  door. 
What's  the  matter,  you  blockhead      she  asked  of 
Wool. 

Oh !  Boo-hoo-woo  !  Ole  Marse  been  and  done  and 
gone  and  guv  me  a  line  to  find  an — an — another — Boo-hoo- 
woo  V  sobbed  Wool,  ready  to  break  his  heart. 

"  Give  you  a  line  to  find  another  Boo-hoo-woo  !  I 
wouldn't  do  it  if  I  were  you.  Wool  I"  said  Capitola. 

*'Give  me  the  paper,  Wool,''  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  tak- 
ing the    permit"  and  tearing  it  up,  and  adding  : 

There  !  now  you  go  home  to  your  quarter,  and  keep 
out  of  your  old  master's  sight  until  he  gets  over  his  anger, 
and  then  you  know  very  well  that  it  will  be  all  right. 
There  !  go  along  with  you." 

Wool  quickly  got  out  of  the  way,  and  made  room  for  the 
overseer,  who  was  snivelling  like  a  whipped  school-boy,  and 
to  whom  the  housekeeper  said  : 

"I  thought  you  were  wiser  than  to  take  this  so  to  heart, 
Mr.  Ezy  !" 

Oh,  mum  !  what  could  you  expect  ? — an  old  sarvint 
as  has  sarved  the  major  faithful  these  forty  years,  to  be  dis- 
charged at  sixty-five  !  Oh  !  hoo-ooo-oo  /"  whimpered  the 
overseer. 

"  But  then  you  have  been  discharged  so  often,  you  ought 
to  be  used  to  it  by  this  time  !  you  get  discharged  just  as 
Wool  gets  sold — about  once  a  month  !  but  do  you  ever  go  ?" 


154 


ANOTHER  STOEM  AT  nUREICANE  HALL. 


"  Oh^  mum  !  but  he's  in  aimest  this  time  !  \leed  he  is, 
mum  !  teriHUe  in  airnest  !  and  all  about  that  misfortKet 
bob-tail  colt  getting  stole  !  I  know  how  it  wur  some  of 
Black  Donald's  gang  as  done  it  !  As  if  I  could  always  be  on 
my  guard  against  tliey  devils  !  And  he  mmns  it  this  time, 
mum  !    He's  terrible  in  airnest 

"  Tut  !  he's  alioays  in  earnest  for  as  long  as  it  lasts  !  Go 
home  to  your  family  and  to-morrow  go  about  your  business, 
as  usual." 

Here  tlie  study  bell  rang  violently  and  Old  Hurricane's 
voice  was  heard  calling — '^^Mrs.  Condiment!  Mrs.  Condi- 
ment !" 

"Oh,  lor!  he's  coming!"  cried  Bill  Ezy,  running  off 
as  fast  as  age  and  grief  would  let  him. 

"  Mrs.  Condiment  !  Mrs.  Condiment !"  called  the  voice. 

"  Yes,  sir  !  yes  !"  answered  the  housekeeper,  hurrying  to 
obey  the  call. 

Capitola  walked  up  and  down  the  hall  for  half  an  hour, 
at  the  end  of  which  Mrs.  Condiment  came  out  with  a 
Rmile  on  her  lip  and  a  tear  in  her  eye,"  and  saying  : 

Well,  Miss  Capitola,  I'm  paid  off  and  discharged  also  !" 

"What  for  ?" 

"Tor  aiding  and  abetting  the  rebels  !  in  a  word,  for  try- 
ing to  comfort  poor  Ezy  and  Wool." 
"And  are  you  going  ?" 

"  Certainly  not  !  I  sha'n't  budge  !  I  would  not  treat 
the  old  man  so  badly  as  to  take  him  at  his  word  !"  and, 
with  a  strange  smile,  Mrs.  Condiment  hurried  away  just  in 
time  to  escape  Old  Hurricane,  who  came  raving  out  of  the 
study. 

"  Get  out  of  my  way,  you  beggar  I"  he  cried,  pushing 
past  Capitola,  and  hurrying  from  the  house. 

"  Well,  I  declare,  that  luas  pleasant !"  thought  Cap,  as 
she  entered  the  parlor. 

"  Mrs.  Condiment,  what  will  he  say  when  he  comes  back 
and  finds  you  all  here  still  ?"  she  asked. 


ASroTHBB  STOBM  AT  HUBEIOANE  HALL.  155 


Say  ? — nothing.    After  this  passion  is  over,  he  will  be 
so  exhausted  that  he  will  not  be  able  to  get  up  another  rage 
in  two  or  three  days/^ 
Where  has  he  gone 

"  To  Tip-Top  ;  and  alone,  too  ;  he  was  so  mad  with  poor 
Wool  that  ho  wouldn't  even  permit  him  to  attend." 

Alone  ?  has  he  gone  alone  !  Oh,  wo7iH  I  give  Mm  a 
dose  ivlien  lie  comes  lach     thought  Capitola. 

Meanwhile  Old  Hurricane  stormed  along  towards  Tip- 
Top,  lashing  off  the  poor  dogs  that  wished  to  follow  him, 
and  cutting  at  every  living  thing  that  crossed  his  path. 
His  business  at  the  village  was  to  get  bills  printed  and  posted, 
offering  an  additional  reward  for  the  apprehension  of  '''the 
marauding  outlaw  Black  Donald."  That  day,  he  dined  at 
the  village  tavern — The  Antlers,"  by  Mr.  Merry — and 
differed,  disputed,  or  quarrelled,  as  the  case  might  be,  with 
every  man  whom  he  happened  to  come  in  contact  with. 

Towards  evening  he  set  off  for  home.  It  was  much  later 
than  his  usual  hour  of  returning;  but  he  felt  weary,  ex- 
hausted, ;ind  indisposed  to  come  into  his  own  dwelling 
where  his  furious  temper  had  created  so  much  unhappiness. 
Thus,  though  it  was  very  late,  he  did  not  hurry  ;  he 
almost  hoped  that  every  one  might  be  in  bed  when  he  should 
return.  The  moon  ,  was  shining  briglitly  w^hen  he  passed 
the  gate  and  rode  up  the  evergreen  avenue  to  the  horse- 
block in  front  of  the  house.  There  he  dismounted  and 
walked  up  into  the  piazza,  where  a  novel  vision  met  his  sur- 
prised gaze. 

It  was  Capitola,  walking  up  and  down  the  floor,  w^itli 
rapid,  almost  masculine  strides,  and  apparently  in  a  state 
of  great  excitement. 

''*0h,  is  it  you,  my  little  Cap  ?  Good  evening,  my  dca'-," 
he  said,  very  kindly. 

Capitola  pulled  up"  in  her  striding  walk,  wheeled 
around,  faced  him,  drew  up  her  form,  folded  her  arms, 
threw  back  her  head,  set  her  teeth,  and  glared  at  him. 


156  ANOTHER  STORM  AT  HURRICANE  HALL. 


''What  the  demon  do  you  me^mhy  fJiatf  cried  Old 
Hurricane. 

''Sir  V  she  exclaimed,  bringing  down  one  foot  with  a 
sharp  stamp — ''  Sir,  how  dare  you  have  the  impudence  to 
face  me,  much  less  the — the — the— the  brass  !  the  bronze  ! 
the  COPPER  !  to  speak  to  me 

"  Why,  what  in  the  name  of  all  the  lunatics  in  Bedlam 
dees  the  girl  mean  ?  Is  she  crazy  exclaimed  the  old 
man,  gazing  upon  her  in  astonishment. 

Capitola  turned  and  strode  furiously  up  and  down  the 
piazza,  and  then,  stopping  suddenly  and  facing  him,  with 
a  sharp  stamp  of  her  foot,  exclaimed  : 

"  Old  GENTLEMAN,  tell  me  instantly,  and  without  pre- 
Yarication,  where  have  you  been  V* 

"  To  the  demon  with  you  !  what  do  you  mean  ?  have 
you  taken  leave  of  your  senses     demanded  Old  Hurricane. 

Capitola  strode  up  and  down  the  floor  a  few  times,  and 
stopping  short  and  shaking  her  fist,  exclaimed  : 

"Didn't  you  know,  you  headstrong,  reckless,  desper- 
ate, frantic  veteran  !  didn't  you  know  the  jeopardy  in  which 
you  placed  yourself  by  riding  out  alone  at  this  hour  ? 
Suppose  three  or  four  great  runaway  negresses  had  sprung 
out  of  the  bushes — and — and — " 

She  broke  off,  apparently  for  want  of  breath,  and  strode 
up  and  down  the  floor ;  then,  pausing  suddenly  before  him, 
with  a  stern  stamp  of  her  foot  and  a  fierce  glare  of  her  eye, 
she  continued  : 

"  You  shouldn't  have  come  back  here  any  'more  !  No 
•dishonored  old  man  should  have  entered  the  house  of  which 
/  call  myself  the  mistress  V 

"  Oh,  I  take  !  T  take  !  ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  Good,  Cap,  good  ! 
You  are  holding  up  the  glass  before  me  ;  but  your  mirror 
is  not  quite  large  enough  to  reflect  '  Old  Hurricane,'  my 
^ear — '  /  owe  you  one,' "  said  the  old  man,  as  he  passed 
into  the  house,  followed  by  his  capricious  favorite. 


THE  doctor's  DAUGHtfiB. 


157 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

THE  doctor's  daughter, 

"  Oh,  her  smile,  it  seemed  half  holy, 
As  if  drawn  from  thoughts  more  far, 
Than  our  common  jestings  are. 
And  if  any  painter  drew  her, 
He  would  paint  her  unaware 
With  a  halo  round  her  hair."  — E.  B.  Bbowning. 

Ok  the  appointed  day,  Traverse  took  his  way  to  Willow 
Heights,  to  keep  his  tryst  and  enter  upon  the  medical 
studies  in  the  good  doctor's  office.  He  was  anxious  also  to 
know  if  his  patron  had  as  yet  thought  of  any  plan  by  which 
his  mother  might  better  her  condition.  He  was  met  at  the 
door  by  little  Mattie,  the  parlor  maid,  who  told  him  to  walk 
right  up  stairs  into  the  study,  where  his  master  was  expect- 
ing him. 

Traverse  went  up  quietly  and  opened  the  door  of  that 
pleasant  study-room,  to  which  the  reader  has  already  been 
introduced,  and  the  windows  of  which  opened  upon  the 
upper  front  piazza. 

Now,  however,  as  it  was  quite  cold,  the  windows  were 
down,  though  the  blinds  were  open,  and  through  them 
streamed  the  golden  rays  of  the  morning  sun  that  fell  glis- 
tening upon  the  fairy  hair  and  white  raiment  of  a  young 
girl,  who  sat  reading  before  the  fire. 

The  doctor  was  not  in  the  room,  and  Traverse  in  his 
native  modesty  was  jnst  about  to  retreat,  when  the  young 
creature  looked  up  from  her  book,  and  seeing  him,  arose 
with  a  smile,  and  came  forward,  saying  : 

"  You  are  the  young  man  whom  my  father  was  expect- 


15S 


ing,  I  presume.  Sit  down^  lie  has  stepped  out,  but  will  be 
in  again  very  soon/^ 

Now,  Traverse  being  unaccustomed  to  the  society  of 
young  ladies,  felt  excessively  bashful  when  suddenly  com- 
ing into  the  prcseuce  of  this  refined  and  lovely  girl.  With 
a  low  bow  and  a  deep  blush  he  took  the  chair  she  placed 
for  him. 

With  natural  politeness,  she  closed  her  book  and 
addressed  herself  to  entertaining  him. 

"  L  have  heard  that  your  mother  is  an  invalid,  T  hope 
she  is  better  ?" 

I  thank  you — yes,  ma^am — Miss,"  stammered  Trav- 
erse, in  painful  embarrassment.  Understanding  the 
timidity  of  the  bashful  boy,  and  seeing  that  her  efforts  to 
entertain  only  troubled  him,  she  placed  the  newspapers  on 
the  table  before  him,  saying  : 

Here  are  the  morning  journals  if  you  would  like  to 
look  over  them,  Mr.  Eocke/'  and  tlien  she  resumed  her 
book. 

"  I  thank  you,  Miss,"  replied  the  youth,  taking  up  a 
paper,  more  for  the  purpose  of  covering  his  embarrassment, 
than  for  any  other. 

Mr.  Eocke  !  Traverse  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  and 
had  never  been  called  Mr.  Eocke  before  I  This  young  girl 
was  the  very  first  to  compliment  him  with  tlie  manly  title, 
and  he  felt  a  boyish  gratitude  to  her  and  a  harmless  wish 
that  his  well-brushed  Sunday  suit  of  black  was  not  quiie  so 
rusty  and  threadbare,  tempered  by  an  innocent  exultation 
in  the  thought  that  no  gentleman  in  the  land  could  exhibit 
fresher  linen,  brighter  shoes  or  cleaner  hands  than  him- 
self. 

But  not  many  seconds  were  spent  in  such  egotism.  He 
stole  a  glance  at  his  lovely  companion  sitting-  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  fire-side — he  w^as  glad  to  sec  that  she  was 
already  deeply  engaged  in  reading,  for  it  enabled  him  to 
observe  her,  without  embarrassment  or  offence.    He  had 


THE  DOCTOR'S  DAUGHTEPw. 


159 


scarcely  dared  to  luok  at  lier  bef-^'re^.  and  had  no  distinct 
idea  of  lier  beauty. 

There  had  been  for  Mdi  only  a  vague,  dazzling  vision  of 
a  golden-liaired  girl  in  floating  wliite  rainiint,  wafting  the 
fragrance  of  violets  as  she  moved,  and  vd^h  a  voice  sveerir 
than  the  notes  of  the  cushat  dove  as  she  spoke. 

Xo'v  he  saw  that  the  golden  hair  flowed  in  ringlets 
around  a  fair,  i':  seate  face,  soft  and  bright  with  feeling  and 
intelligence.  As  her  dark  blue  eyes  followed  the  page,  a 
smile  intense  with  meaning  dcejKned  the  expression  of  her 
countenance.  That  intense  smile  I — it  was  like  her  f:'ther"s, 
only  lovelier — more  heavenly.  That  inren-e  smile  I  It  had, 
even  on  the  old  doctor's  face,  an  inexpressible  charm  for 
Traverse — but  on  the  lovely  young  face  of  his  daughter  it 
exercised  an  ineffable  fascination.  So  earnest  and  so  uncon- 
scious became  the  gaze  of  poor  Traverse  that  he  was  only 
brought  to  a  sense  of  propriety  by  the  opening  of  the  door, 
and  the  entrance  of  the  doctor,  who  exclaimed  : 

Ah  I  here  already.  Traverse  I  that  is  punctual  I — This 
is  my  daughter  Clara,  Traverse  I  Clara,  t]::s  is  Travel se, 
■you've  heard  me  speak  about  I — But,  I  dare  say.  youVe 
already  become  acquainted,"'  concluded  the  doet'jr,  draw- 
ing his  chair  up  to  the  reading-table,  sitting  down  and  fold- 
insf  his  dressina"-2:own  around  his  limbs. 

T\'ell,  Traverse,  how  is  the  little  mother  he  pres- 
ently inquired. 

^^I  was  just  telling  iMiss  Day,  that  she  was  much  better 
sir,*'  said  Traverse. 

''Ah,  ha  I  ah,  ha  1"  muttered  the  doctor  to  himself — 
''that's  kitchen  physic — roast  turkey  and  port  wine  I  and 
moral  medicine,  hope  I  and  mental  medicine,  sympathy.*' 

"  Well,  Traverse,"  he  said  aloud,  "  I  have  been  racking 
my  brain  for  a  plan  for  your  mother — and  to  no  i^urpose  I 
Traverse,  your  mother  should  be  in  a  home  of  peace,  piaity 
and  cheerfulness  I — I  can  speak  before  my  little  Clara  here  I 
I  never  have  any  secrets  from  her — Your  mother  wants  good 


160 


THE  doctor's  daughter. 


living,  cheerful  company,  and  freedom  from  toil  and  care  I 
The  situation  of  gentleman's  or  lady's  housekeeper  in  some 
home  of  abundance,  where  she  would  be  esteemed  as  a 
member  of  the  family  would  suit  her  ;  but  where  to  find 
such  a  place  !  I  have  been  inquiring — without  mentioning 
her  name,  of  course — among  all  my  friends,  but  not  one  of 
them  wants  a  housekeeper,  or  knows  a  soul  who  does  want 
one,  and  so  I  am  'at  sea  on  the  subject.'  I'm  ashamed  of 
myself  for  not  succeeding  better  !" 

"  Oh,  sir,  do  not  do  yourself  so  great  injustice,"  said 
Traverse. 

"  Well,  the  fact  is  after  boasting  so  confidently  that  I 
would  find  a  good  situation  for  Mrs.  Eocke,  lo  and  behold  ! 
I  have  proved  myself  as  yet  only  a  boaster  !" 

"  Father,"  said  Clara,  turning  upon  him  her  sweet  eyes. 

"Well,  my  love  ?" 

"  Perhaps  Mrs.  Rocke  would  do  us  the  favor  to  come 
here  and  take  charge  of  our  household." 

"  Eh  !  what !  I  never  thought  of  that !  I  never  had  a 
housekeeper  in  my  life  !"  exclaimed  the  doctor. 

"  No,  sir,  because  you  never  needed  one  before,  but  now 
we  really  do.  Aunt  Moggy  has  been  a  very  faithful  and 
efficient  manager,  although  she  is  a  colored  woman  ;  but 
she  is  getting  very  old." 

Yes,  and  deaf,  and  blind,  and  careless  !  I  know  she 
is !  I  have  no  doubt  in  the  world  she  scours  the  coppers 
with  the  table  napkins,  and  washes  her  face  and  hands  in 
the  soup  tureen." 

''Oh  father  r  said  Clara. 

"  Well,  Clara,  at  least  she  wants  looking  after." 

^'Father,  she  wants  rest  in  her  old  age." 

''No  doubt  of  it !  no  doubt  of  it !" 

"And,  father,  I  intend,  of  course,  in  time,  to  be  your 
housekeeper ;  but  having  spent  all  my  life  at  a  boarding- 
school,  I  know  very  little  about  domestic  affairs,  and  I 
j*e(}uire  a  great  deal  of  instruction  ;  so  I  really  do  think  that 


THE  doctor's  daughter. 


161 


there  is  no  one  needs  Mrs.  Rockets  assistance  more  than  we 
do,  and  if  she  will  do  us  the  favor  to  come,  we  cannot  do 
better  than  engage  her/^ 

*'To  be  sure  !  to  be  sure  !  Lord  bless  my  soul  !  to 
think  it  should  never  have  entered  my  stupid  old  head, 
until  it  was  put  there  by  Clare  !  Here  was  1  searching 
blindly  all  over  the  country  for  a  situation  for  Mrs.  Rocke, 
and  wanting  her  all  the  time  more  than  any  one  else  ! 
That's  the  way,  Traverse,  that^s  the  way  with  us  all,  my 
boy  I  While  we  are  looking  away  off  yonder  for  the  solution 
of  our  difQculties,  the  remedy  is  all  the  time  lying  just 
under  our  noses 

But  so  close  to  our  eyes,  father,  that  we  cannot  see 
it  V  said  Clara. 

Just  so,  Clare  !  just  so  I  You  are  always  ahead  of  me 
in  ideas !  Now,  Traverse,  when  you  go  home  this  evening 
you  shall  take  a  note  to  your  mother,  setting  forth  our 
wishes — mine  and  Clara's  ;  if  she  accedes  to  them  she  will 
make  us  very  happy.'' 

"With  a  great  deal  of  manly  strength  of  mind  Traverse 
had  all  his  mother^s  tenderness  of  heart.  It  was  with  diffi- 
culty that  he  could  keep  back  his  tears  or  control  his  voice, 
while  he  answered  : 

I  remember  reading,  sir,  that  the  young  queen  of  Eng- 
land when  she  came  to  her  throne  wished  to  provide  hand- 
somely for  an  orphan  companion  of  her  childhood ;  and  see- 
ing that  no  office  in  her  household  suited  the  young  person, 
she  created  one  for  her  benefit.  Sir,  I  believe  you  have 
made  one  for  my  mother.'^ 

'*  Not  at  all  !  not  at  all !  If  she  doesn't  come  to  look 
after  our  housekeeping,  old  Moggy  will  be  greasing  our 
griddles  with  tallow  candle  ends  next  !  If  you  don't 
believe  me,  ask  Clara  !  ask  Clara  V 

Not  '^ielieve''  him  I  If  the  doctor  had  affirmed  that 
the  moon  was  made  of  moldy  cheese.  Traverse  would  hay© 
deemed  it  his  duty  to  stoutly  maintain  that  astronomical 


162 


THE  DOOTOB's  DAUGHTBB. 


tlieory.  He  felt  hurt  that  the  doctor  should  use  such  a 
phrase. 

Yes,  indeed,  we  really  cZo  need  her,  Traverse,"  said  the 
doctor's  daughter. 

Traverse  I "  It  had  made  him  proud  to  hear  her  call 
him,  for  the  first  time  in  his  life,  Mr.  Kocke,''  but  it 
made  him  deeply  happy  to  hear  her  call  him  ''^  Traverse."' 
It  had  such  a  sisterly  sound  coming  from  this  sweet  crea- 
ture. How  he  wished  that  she  really  ivere  his  sister  !  but  then 
the  idea  of  that  fair,  golden-haired,  blae-eyed,  white-robed 
angel  being  the  sister  of  such  a  robust,  rugged,  sun-burned 
boy  as  himself  !  The  thought  was  so  absurd,  extravagant, 
impossible,  that  the  poor  boy  heaved  an  unconscious  sigh. 

"  Why,  what's  the  matter,  Traverse  ?  What  are  you 
thinking  of  so  intently  ?" 

Of  your  great  goodness,  sir,  among  otlier  things." 

Tut  I  let's  hear  no  more  of  that.  I  please  myself," 
said  the  doctor  ;  and  now.  Traverse,  let's  go  to  work 
decently  and  in  order  ;  but  first  let  me  settle  this  point  :  if 
your  good  little  mother  determines  in  our  favor.  Traverse, 
then  of  course  yoio  will  live  with  us  also,  so  I  shall  have  my 
young  medical  assistant  always  at  hand.  That  will  be  very 
convenient ;  and  then  we  shall  have  no  more  long,  lonesome 
evenings,  Clara,  shall  we,  dear  ?  And  now.  Traverse,  I 
will  mark  out  your  course  of  study,  and  set  you  to  work  at 
once." 

Shall  I  leave  the  room,  father  ?"  inquired  Clara. 

No,  no,  my  dear  ;  certainly  not.  I  have  not  had  you 
home  so  long  as  to  get  tired  of  the  sight  of  you  yet.  No, 
Clare,  no  ;  you  are  not  in  our  way — is  she.  Traverse  ?" 

Ob,  sir,  the  idea — "  stammered  Traverse,  blushing 
deeply  to  be  so  appealed  to. 

In  h  is  ivay  !  why  a  pang  had  shot  through  his  bosom  at 
the  very  mention  of  her  going. 

Very  well,  then  ;  here.  Traverse — here  are  your  books  ; 
you  are  to  begin  with  this  one  ;  keep  this  Medical  Die- 


THE  doctor's  daughter. 


163 


tionary  at  hand  for  reference.  Bless  me  !  it  will  bring  back 
my  own  student  days  to  go  over  the  ground  with  yon,  my 
boy/^ 

Clara  took  her  work-box  and  sat  down  to  stitch  a  pair  of 
dainty  wristbands  for  her  father's  shirts. 

The  doctor  took  up  the  morning  papers. 

Traverse  opened  his  book  and  commenced  his  readings. 
It  was  a  quiet  but  by  no  means  a  dull  circle.  Occasionally 
Clara  and  her  father  exchanged  words,  and  once  in  a  while 
the  doctor  looked  over  his  pupil's  shoulder,  or  gave  him  a 
direction. 

Traverse  studied  con  amove  and  with  intelligent  appre- 
ciation. The  presence  of  the  doctor's  lovely  daughter,  far 
from  disturbing  him,  calmed  and  steadied  his  soul  into  a 
state  of  infinite  content.  If  the  presence  of  the  beautiful 
girl  was  ever  to  become  an  agitating  element,  the  hour  had 
not  yet  come. 

So  passed  the  time  until  the  dinner-bell  rang. 

By  the  express  stipulation  of  the  doctor  himself,  it  was 
arranged  that  Traverse  should  always  dine  with  his  family. 
After  dinner  an  hour,  which  the  doctor  called  a  digestive 
hour,  was  spent  in  loitering  about,  and  then  the  studies 
were  resumed. 

At  six  o'clock  in  the  evening  Traverse  took  leave  of  the 
doctor  and  his  fair  daughter  and  started  for  home. 

Be  sure  to  persuade  your  mother  to  come.  Traverse," 
said  Clara. 

She  will  not  need  persuasion ;  she  will  be  only  too 
glad  to  come,  Miss,"  said  Traverse,  with  a  deep  bow,  turn- 
ing and  hurrying  away  towards  home.  With  winged 
feet  "  he  ran  down  the  wooded  hill  and  got  into  the  high- 
way and  hastened  on  with  such  speed  that  in  half  an  hour 
he  reached  his  mother's  little  cottage.  He  was  all  agog 
with  joy  and  eagerness  to  tell  her  the  good  news. 


164 


THE  RESIGNEB  60UL. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

THE  RESIGNED  SOUL. 

! 

'  «  This  day  be  bread  and  peace  my  lot ; 

All  else  beneath  the  sun 
1  Thou  knowest  if  best  bestowed  or  not, 

And  let  thy  will  be  done.  — Pope, 

Poor  Marah  Eocke  had  schooled  her  soul  to  resigna- 
tion ;  had  taught  herself  just  to  do  the  duty  of  each  day 
as  it  came,  and  leave  the  future — where  indeed  it  must 
always  remain — in  the  hands  of  God.  Since  the  doctor's 
delicate  and  judicious  kindness  had  cherished  her  life, 
some  little  health  and  cheerfulness  had  returned  to  her. 

Upon  this  particular  evening  of  the  day  upon  which 
Traverse  entered  upon  his  medical  studies,  she  felt  very 
hopeful. 

The  little  cottage  fire  burned  brightly  ;  the  hearth  was 
swept  clean  ;  the  tea-kettle  was  singing  over  the  blaze ; 
the  tiny  tea-table,  with  its  two  cups  and  saucers,  and  two 
plates  and  knives,  was  set ;  everything  was  neat,  comfort- 
able and  cheerful  for  Traverse's  return.  Marah  sat  in  her 
little  low  chair,  putting  the  finishing  touches  to  a  set  of 
fine  shirts. 

She  was  not  anxiously  looking  for  her  son  ;  for  he  had 
told  her  that  he  should  stay  at  the  doctor's  until  six 
o'clock  ;  therefore  she  did  not  expect  him  until  seven. 

But  so  fast  had  Traverse  walked  that  just  as  the  minute 
hand  pointed  to  half-past  six,  the  latch  was  raised  and 
Traverse  ran  in — his  face  flushed  with  joy. 

The  first  thing  he  did  was  to  run  to  his  mother,  fling 
his  arms  around  her  neck,  and  kiss  her.  Then  he  threw 
himself  into  his  chair  to  take  breath. 


THE  RESIGNED  SOUL. 


165 


Now,  then,  what's  the  matter.  Traverse  ?   You  look 
as  if  somebody  had  left  you  a  fortune/'  I 

And  so  they  have,  or  as  good  as  done  so  \"  exclaimed 
Traverse,  panting  for  breath. 

"What  in  the  world  do  you  mean?"  exclaimed  Marah, 
her  thoughts  naturally  flying  to  Old  Hurricane,  and  sug- 
gesting his  possible  repentance  or  relenting. 

Read  that,  mother,  read  that  \"  said  Traverse,  eagerly 
putting  a  note  in  her  hand. 
She  opened  it,  and  read  : 

Willow  Heights — Monday. 
Dear  Madam  : — My  little  daughter  Clara,  fourteen 
years  of  age,  has  just  returned  from  boarding-school  to 
pursue  her  studies  at  •  home.  Among  other  things,  she 
must  learn  domestic  affairs,  of  which  she  knows  nothing. 
If  you  will  accept  the  position  of  housekeeper  and  matronly 
companion  of  my  daughter,  I  will  make  the  terms  such  as 
ghall  reconcile  you  to  the  change.  We  shall  also  do  all  that 
we  can  to  make  you  happy.  Traverse  will  explain  to  you 
the  details.  Take  time  to  think  of  it,  but  if  possible  let  us 
have  your  answer  by  Traverse,  when  he  comes  to>morrow. 
If  you  accede  to  this  proposition  you  will  give  my  daughter 
acd  myself  sincere  satisfaction.         Yours  truly, 

William  Day. 

Marah  finished  reading,  and  raised  her  eyes,  full  of 
amazement,  to  the  face  of  her  son. 

"  Mother  \"  said  Traverse,  speaking  fast  and  eagerly, 
*^  they  say  they  really  cannot  do  without  you.  They  have 
troops  of  servants,  but  the  old  cook  is  in  her  dotage  and 
does  all  sorts  of  strange  things — such  as  frying  buckwheat 
cakes  in  lamp-oil  and  the  like.'' 

"  Oh,  hush  !  what  exaggeration  !" 

"  Well,  I  don't  sspy  she  does  that  exactly,  but  she  isn't 


166 


THE  RESIGNED  SOTJL. 


equal  to  lier  situation,  without  a  housekeeper  to  look  after 
her  ;  and  they  want  you  very  much  indeed/^ 

And  what  is  to  become  of  your  home,  if  I  break  up 
suggested  the  mother. 

Oh,  that  is  the  very  best  of  it  !  The  doctor  says  if  yon 
consent  to  come,  that  I  must  also  live  there,  and  that  then 
he  can  have  his  medical  assistant  always  at  hand,  which 
will  be  very  convenient/^ 

Marah  smiled  dubiously. 
I  do  not  understand  it ;  but  one  thing  I  do  know, 
Traverse  :  there  is  not  such  a  man  as  the  doctor  appears  in 
this  world  more  than  once  in  a  hundred  years. ^' 

Not  in  a  thousand  years,  mother  !  and  as  for  his 
daughter — oh,  you  should  see  Miss  Clara,  mother !  Her 
father  calls  her  Clare — Clare  Day — how  the  name  suits  her  ! 
She  is  so  fair  and  bright  !  with  such  a  warm,  thoughtful, 
sunny  smile  that  goes  right  to  your  heart  !  Her  face  is  in- 
deed like  a  clear  day,  and  her  beautiful  smile  is  the  sun- 
shine that  lights  it  up  V'  said  the  enthusiastic  youth,  whose 
admiration  was  as  yet  too  simjole  and  single-hearted  and 
unselfish  to  tie  his  tongue. 

The  mother  smiled  at  his  earnestness — smiled  without 
the  least  misgiving  ;  for  to  her  apprehension  the  youth  was 
still  a  boy,  to  wonder  at  and  admire  beauty  without  being 
in  the  least  danger  of  having  his  peace  of  mind  disturbed 
by  love.    And  as  yet  her  idea  of  him  was  just. 

"  And  mother,  of  course  you  will  go,"  said  Traverse. 

"  Oh,  I  do  not  know.  The  proposition  was  so  sudden 
and  unexpected,  and  is  so  serious  and  important  that  I 
must  take  time  to  reflect,'^  said  Mrs.  Eocke,  thought- 
fully. 

How  much  time,  mother  ?  Will  until  to-morrow 
morning  do  ?  It  must,  little  mother,  because  I  promised 
to  carry  your  consent  back  with  me.  Indeed  I  did  mother  V 
exclaimed  the  impatient  boy. 


THE  EE8IGNBD  SOUL. 


167 


Mrs.  Eocke  dropped  her  head  upon  her  hand,  as  vrns 
her  custom  when  in  deep  thought.    Presently  she  said  : 

^^Travv,  I'm  afraid  this  is  not  a  genuine  offer  of  a  situ- 
ation of  housekeeper.  Tm  afraid  that  it  is  only  a  ruse  to 
cover  a  scheme  of  beuevolence,  and  that  they  don^t  really 
want  me,  and  I  should  only  be  in  their  way." 

Xow,  mother,  I  do  assure  you,  they  do  want  you  ! 
Think  of  that  young  girl  and  elderly  gentleman — can  either 
of  tJiem  take  charge  of  a  large  establishment  like  that  of 
Willow  Heights 

AVell  argued,  Traverse  ;  but  granting  that  they  need  a 
housekeeper,  how  do  I  know  /  would  suit  them  ?" 

Why  you  may  take  their  own  words  for  that, 
mother." 

But  how  can  tJiei/  know  ?  I  am  afraid  they  would  be 
disappointed. 

^'  Wait  until  they  complain,  mother.''' 

^^I  don't  believe  they  ever  would/' 

"1  don't  believe  they  ever  would  have  cause/' 

Well,  granting  also  that  I  should  suit  them  " 

The  mother  paused  and  sighed.  Traverse  filled  up  the 
blank  by  saying  : 

I  suppose  you  mean  if  you  slioidd  suit  them,  tliey 
might  not  suit  jow.'' 

Xo,  I  do  not  mean  that  !  I  am  sure  they  would  suit 
me  I  but  there  is  one  in  the  world,  who  may  one  day  come 
to  reason  and  take  bitter  umbrage  at  the  fact  that  1  should 
accept  a  subordinate  situation  in  any  household,"  mur- 
mured ]\Irs.  lioeke,  almost  unconsciously. 

"  Then  that  '  one  in  the  world, whoever  he,  she,  or  it 
may  be,  had  better  place  you  above  the  necessity,  or  else 
hold  his,  her,  or  its  tongue  I — Mother,  /  think  that  goods 
throvm  in  our  way  by  Providence  had  better  be  accepted, 
leaving  the  consequences  to  Him  I" 

Traverse,  dear,  I  shall  pray  over  this  matter  to-night, 
and  sleep  on  it ;  and  He  to  whom,  even  the  fall  of  a  sparrow 


168 


THE  RESIGNED  SOUL. 


is  not  indifferent  will  guide  me/'  said  Mrs.  Kocke ;  and 

here  the  debate  ended. 

The  remainder  of  the  evening  was  spent  in  laudation  of 
Clara  Day,  and  in  writing  a  letter  to  Herbert  Greyson,  at 
West  Point,  in  which  all  these  laudations  were  reiterated, 
and  in  the  course  of  which  Traverse  wrote  these  innocent 
words — I  have  known  Clara  Day  scarcely  twelve  hours, 
and  I  admire  her  as  much  as  I  love  you  !  and  oh,  Herbert ! 
if  you  could  only  rise  to  be  a  major-general  and  marry 
Clara-  Day,  I  should  be  the  happiest  fellow  alive  \"  Would 
Traverse  as  willingly  dispose  of  Clara^s  hand  a  year  or  two 
after  this  time  ?   I  trow  not ! 

The  next  morning  after  breakfast .  Mrs.  Rocke  gave  in 
her  decision. 

Tell  the  doctor,  Traverse,^'  she  said,  that  I  under- 
stand and  appreciate  his  kindness  ;  that  I  will  not  break  up 
my  humble  home  as  yet ;  but  I  will  lock  up  my  house  and 
come  a  month  on  trial  ;  if  I  can  perform  the  duties  of  the 
situation  satisfactorily,  well  and  good  !  I  will  remain  ;  if 
not,  why  then,  having  my  home  still  in  possession,  I  can 
return  to  it" 

Wise  little  mother  !  she  will  not  cut  down  the  bridge 
behind  her  exclaimed  Traverse,  joyfully,  as  he  bade  his 
mother  good-bye  for  the  day,  and  hastened  up  to  Willow 
Heights  with  her  answer.  This  answer  was  received  by 
the  good  doctor  and  his  lovely  daughter  with  delight  as 
unfeigned  as  it  was  unselfish.  They  were  pleased  to  have 
a  good  housekeeper  ;  but  they  were  far  better  pleased  to 
offer  a  poor  struggling  mother  a  comfortable  and  even  lux- 
urious home. 

On  the  next  Monday  morning,  Mrs.  Rocke  having  com- 
pleted all  her  arrangements,  and  closed  up  her  house,  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  her  new  situation. 

Clara  gave  her  a  large  and  airy  bed-chamber  for  her  own 
use,  communicating  with  a  smaller  one  for  the  use  of  her 


THE  RESIGNED  SOUL. 


169 


«on ;  besides  this^,  as  housekeeper,  slie  had  of  course  the 
freedom  of  the  whole  house. 

Traverse  watched  with  anxious  vigilance  to  find  out 
whether  the  efforts  of  his  mother  really  improved  the  con- 
dition of  the  housekeeping,  and  was  delighted  to  find  that 
the  coffee  was  clearer  and  finer  flavored  ;  the  bread  whiter 
and  lighter  ;  the  cream  richer,  the  butter  fresher,  and  the 
beefsteak  jucier  than  he  had  ever  known  them  to  be  on  the 
doctor's  table  ;  that  on  the  dinner-table,  from  day  to  day, 
dishes  succeeded  each  other  in  a  well-ordered  variety  and 
well-dressed  style — in  a  word,  that  in  every  particular,  the 
comfort  of  the  family  was  greatly  enhanced  by  the  presence 
of  the  housekeeper,  and  that  the  doctor  and  his  daughter 
knew  it. 

While  the  Doctor  and  the  student  were  engaged  in  the 
library,  Clara  spent  many  hours  of  the  morning  in  Mrs. 
Rocke's  company  learning  the  arts  of  domestic  economy  and 
considerably  assisting  her  in  the  preparation  of  delicate 
dishes. 

In  the  evening  the  doctor,  Clara,  Mrs.  Rocke,  and 
Traverse  gathered  around  the  fire  as  one  family — Mrs.  Rocke 
and  Clara  engaged  in  needlework,  and  the  doctor  or 
Traverse  in  reading  aloud,  for  their  amusement,  some  agree- 
able book.  Sometimes  Clara  would  richly  entertain  them 
with  music — singing  and  accompanying  herself  upon  the 
piano. 

An  hour  before  bedtime  the  servants  were  always  called 
in,  and  general  family  prayer  offered  up. 

Thus  passed  the  quiet,  pleasant,  profitable  days. 
Traverse  was  fast  falling  int@  a  delicious  dream,  from  which, 
as  yet,  no  rude  shock  threatened  to  wake  him.  Willow 
Heights  seemed  to  him  Paradise,  its  inmates  angels,  and  his 
own  life — beatitnda  I 


170 


THE  outlaw's  RBNDEZVOUB. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

THE  outlaw's  rendezvous. 

"  Our  plots  fall  short  like  darts  which  rash  hands  throw 
With  an  ill  aim,  and  have  too  far  to  go ; 
Nor  can  we  long  discoveries  prevent ; 
God  is  too  much  about  the  innocent ! 

— Sir  Robert  Howard. 

The  Old  Road  Inn/'  described  in  the  dying  deposition 
of  poor  Nancy  Grewell,  was  situated  some  miles  from  Hurri- 
cane Hall,  by  the  side  of  a  forsaken  turnpike  in  the  midst 
of  a  thickly  wooded,  long  and  narrow  valley,  shut  in  by  two 
lofty  ranges  of  mountains. 

Once  this  turnpike  was  lively  with  travel,  and  this  inn 
gay  with  custom  ;  but,  for  the  last  twenty-five  years,  since 
the  highway  had  been  turned  off  in  another  direction,  both 
road  and  tavern  had  been  abandoned,  and  suffered  to  fall  to 
ruin.  The  road  was  washed  and  furrowed  into  deep  and 
dangerous  gullies,  and  obstructed  by  fallen  timber  ;  the 
house  was  disfigured  by  mouldering  walls,  broken  chimneys 
and  patched  windows. 

Had  any  traveler  lost  himself,  and  chanced  to  have  passed 
that  way,  he  might  have  seen  a  little,  old,  dried-up  woman, 
sitting  knitting  at  one  of  the  windoAvs.  She  was  known  by 
those  who  were  old  enough  to  remember  her  and  her  home, 
as  Granny  Raven,  the  daughter  of  the  last  proprietor  of  the 
inn.  She  was  reputed  to  be  dumb,  but  none  could  speak 
with  certainty  of  the  fact.  In  truth,  for  as  far  back  as  the 
memory  of  the  '^oldest  inhabitant "  could  reach,  she  had 
been  feared,  disliked  and  avoided,  as  one  of  malign  reputa- 
tion ;  indeed,  the  ignorant  and  superstitious  believed  her  to 
possess  the  "  evil  eye/' and  to  be  gifted  with  "  second  sight.'' 


THE  OUTLAW'S  EEXDEZVOUS. 


171 


But  of  late  years  as  tlie  old  road  and  the  old  inn  were 
quite  forsaken_,  so  the  old  beldame  was  quite  forgotten. 

It  was  one  evening,  a  few  weeks  after  Capitola's  fearful 
adventure  in  the  forest,  that  this  old  woman  careftilly  closed 
ii-p  every  door  and  window  in  the  front  of  the  house,  stopping 
every  crevice  through  which  a  ray  of  light  might  gleam  and 
warn  that  impossible  phenomenon — a  chance  traveler,  on 
the  old  road,  of  life  within  the  habitation. 

Having,  so  to  speak,  hermetically  sealed  the  front  of  the 
house,  she  betook  herself  to  a  large  back  kitchen. 

This  kitchen  was  strangely  ar.d  rudely  furnished — hav- 
ing an  extra  broad  fire-place  with  the  recesses  on  each  side 
of  the  chimney  filled  with  oaken  shelves,  laden  with  strong 
pew  tor  plates,  dishes  and  mugs  :  all  along  the  walls  were 
arranged  rude,  oaken  benches  ;  down  the  length  of  the 
room,  was  left,  always  standing,  a  long  deal  table,  cajoable 
of  accommodating  from  fifteen  to  twenty  guests. 

On  entering  tliis  kitchen  Granny  Eaven  struck  a  light, 
kindled  a  fire,  and  began  to  prepare  a  large  supper. 

Xor  did  this  old  beldame  lookun  like  the  ill-omened  bird 
whose  name  she  bore,  in  her  close  clinging  black  gown,  and 
flapping  black  cape  and  hood,  and  Avith  her  sharp  eyes^ 
hooked  nose  and  i^rotruding  chin. 

Having  put  a  large  sirloin  of  beef  before  the  fire,  she 
took  down  a  pile  of  pewter  plates  and  arranged  them  along 
on  the  sides  of  the  table  ;  then  to  evi-ry  ph;te  she  placed  a 
pcwtur  mug.  A  huge  wheaten  loaf  of  bread,  a  great  roll 
of  butter  and  several  plates  of  pickles  were  next  put  upon 
the  board,  and  when  all  was  ready  the  old  woman  sat  down 
to  the  patient  turning  of  the  spit. 

She  had  not  becPi  thus  occupied  more  then  twenty  min- 
utes when  a  hasty,  scutiling  step  was  heard  at  the  back  of 
the  house,  accompanied  by  a  peculiar  wdiistle_,  immediately 
under  the  window. 

Tnat"s    Headlong  Hal,^  for  a  penny  I    He  never  can 


l'^2  THE  orALAW's  EENDEZVOUg. 


learn  the  cat's  tread  I"  thought  the  crone,  as  she  arose  and 
withdrew  the  bolt  of  the  back  door. 

A  little,  dark-skinned,  black-eyed,  black-haired,  thin 
and  wiry  man  came  hurrying  in,  exclaiming  : 
How  now,  old  girl — supper  ready  ?" 

She  shook  her  head,  pointed  to  the  roasting  beef,  lifted 
up  both  hands  with  the  ten  fingers  spread  out  twice,  and 
then  made  a  rotary  motion  with  one  arm. 

Oh — you  mean  it  will  be  done  in  twenty  turns ;  but 
hang  me  if  I  understand  your  dumb  show  half  the  time. — 
Have  none  of  the  men  come  yet  V 

She  put  her  fingers  together,  flung  her  hands  wildly 
apart  in  all  directions,  brought  them  slowly  together  again, 
and  pointed  to  the  supper  table. 

"  Um  ! — that  is  to  say  they  are  dispersed  about  their 
business,  but  will  all  be  here  to-night?*^ 

She  nodded. 
Where's  the  cap'n 

She  pointed  over  her  left  shoulder  upwards — placed  her 
two  hands  out  broad  from  her  temples — then  made  a  motion 
as  of  lifting  and  carry iug  a  basket,  and  displaying  goods. 

Humph  !  humph  !  gone  to  Tip-Top  to  sell  goods  dis- 
guised as  a  peddler  I" 

She  nodded.  And  before  he  could  put  another  question, 
a  low,  soft  77ieiv  was  heard  at  the  door. 

There's  ^  Stealthy  Stere  '/ — he  might  walk  with  hob- 
nailed high-lows  over  a  gravelly  road,  and  you  would  never 
hear  his  footfall,"  said  the  man,  as  the  door  noiselessly 
opened  and  shut,  and  a  soft-footed,  low-voiced,  subtile  look, 
ing  mulatto  entered  the  kitchen,  and  gave  good  evening  to 
its  occupants. 

'^Ha  !  Fm  devilish  glad  you've  come,  Steve,  for  hang 
me  if  I'm  not  tired  to  death  trying  to  talk  to  this  crone,  who, 
to  the  charms  of  old  age  and  ugliness,  adds  that  of  dumb- 
ness.   Seen  the  cap'n  ?" 


THE  outlaw's  rendezvous. 


173 


"No,  he^s  gone  out  to  hear  the  people  talk,  and  find  out 
what  they  think  of  him" 

Hal  burst  into  a  loud  and  scornful  laugh,  saying—"  I 
should  think  it  would  not  require  much  seeking  to  discover 
that  r 

Here  the  old  woman  came  forward,  and,  by  signs,  man- 
aged to  inquire  whether  he  had  brought  her  "  the  tea.* 

Steve  drew  a  packet  from  his  pocket,  saying,  softly 

"Yes,  mother,  when  I  was  in  Spicer's  store  I  saw  this 
lying  with  other  things  on  the  counter,  and  rememberiiSg 
you,  quietly  put  it  into  my  pocket/^ 

The  old  crone's  eyes  danced ;  she  seized  the  packet, 
patted  the  excellent  thief  on  the  shoulder,  wagged  her  head 
deridingly  at  the  delinquent  one,  and  hobbled  off  to  prepare 
her  favorite  beverage. 

While  she  was  thus  occupied  the  whistle  was  once  more 
heard  at  the  door,  followed  by  the  entrance  of  a  man 
decidedly  the  most  repulsive  looking  of  the  whole  party — a 
man  one  having  a  full  pocket  would  scarcely  like  to  meet 
on  a  lonely  road  in  a  dark  night.  In  form  he  was  of  Dutch 
proportions,  short  but  stout ;  with  a  large,  round  head  cov- 
ered with  stiff,  sandy  hair ;  broad,  flat  face  ;  coarse  fea- 
tures ;  pale,  half -closed  eyes,  and  an  expression  of  counten- 
ance strangely  made  up  of  elements  as  opposite  as  they 
were  forbidding — a  mixture  of  stupidity  and  subtilty,  cow- 
ardice and  ferocity,  caution  and  cruelty.  His  name  in  the 
gang  was  Demon  Dick,  a  sobriquet  of  which  he  was  emi- 
nently deserving  and  characteristically  proud. 

He  came  in  sulkily,  neither  saluting  the  company  nor 
returning  their  salutations.  He  pulled  a  chair  to  the  fire, 
threw  himself  into  it,  and  ordered  the  old  woman  to  draw 
him  a  mug  of  ale. 

"  Dick's  in  a  bad  humor  to-night,^'  murmured  Steve, 
softly. 

"  When  was  he  ever  in  a  good  on©  roughly  broke 
forth  Hal. 


174: 


THE  outlaw's  rendezvous. 


H — sh  said  Steve,  glancing  at  Dick,  who,  with  a 
hideous  expression,  was  listening  to  the  conversation. 

"  There's  the  cap^n  !"  exclaimed  Hal,  as  a  ringing  foot- 
step sounded  outside,  followed  by  the  abrupt  opening  of 
the  door  and  entrance  of  the  leader. 

Setting  down  a  large  basket,  and  throwing  off  a  broad- 
brimmed  Quaker  hat  and  broad-skirted  overcoat,  Black 
Donald  stood  roaring  with  laughter. 

Black  Donald,  from  his  great  stature  might  have  been 
a  giant  walked  out  of  the  age  of  fable  into  the  middle  of 
the  nineteenth  century.  From  his  stature  alone  he  might 
have  been  chosen  leader  of  this  band  of  desperadoes.  He 
stood  six  feet  eight  inches  in  his  boots,  and  was  stout  and 
muscular  in  proportion.  He  had  a  well-formed,  stately 
head,  fine  aquiline  features,  dark  complexion,  strong, 
steady,  dark  eyes,  and  an  abundance  of  long,  curling  black 
hair  and  beard  that  would  have  driven  to  despair  a  Broad- 
way beau,  broken  the  heart  of  a  Washington  belle,  or  made 
his  own  fortune  in  any  city  of  America  as  a  French  count 
or  a  German  baron!  He  had  decidedly  'Hhe  air  noble 
and  distinguished/' 

While  he  threw  his  broad  brim  in  one  direction  and  his 
broad  coat  in  another  and  gave  way  to  peals  of  laughter, 
Headlong  Hal  said  : 

Cap^n,  I  don^t  know  what  you  think  of  it ;  but  /think 
it  just  as  churlish  to  laugh  alone  as  to  get  drunk  in  solitude." 

^'  Oh,  you  shall  laugh  !  Wait  until  I  tell  you  !  But 
first,  answer  me  :  Does  not  my  broad-skirted  gray  coat  and 
broad-brimmed  gray  hat  make  me  look  about  twelve  inches 
shorter  and  broader 

That's  so,  Cap'n  I" 

''And  when  I  bury  my  black  beard  and  chin  deep  down 
in  this  drab  neckcloth,  and  pull  the  broad  brim  low  over 
my  black  hair  and  eyes,  I  look  as  mild  and  respectable  as 
William  Penn.^' 

"  Yes,  verily,  friend  Donald,"  said  Hal.^ 


THE  outlaw's  rendezvous. 


175 


''Well,  in  this  meek  guise  I  went  peddling  to-day/^ 

Aye,  Cap^n  we  knew  it ;  and  you^ll  go  once  too  often. 
"I  have  gone  just  once  too  often/^ 
'a  knew  \V 
''We  said  so/' 

"  D  n  V'  were  some  of  the  ejaculations  as  the  mem- 
bers of  the  band  sprang  to  their  feet  and  handled  secret 
arms. 

"  Pshaw !  put  up  your  knives  and  pistols  !  There  is 
no  danger ;  I  was  not  traced  ;  our  rendezvous  is  still  a  secret 
for  which  the  government  would  pay  a  thousand  dollars  V 

"How,  then,  do  you  say  that  you  went  once  too  often, 
Cap'n  r 

"It  tuas  accurate.  I  should  have  said  that  I  had  gone 
for  the  last  time,  for  that  it  would  not  be  safe  to  venture 
again.  Come — I  must  tell  you  the  whole  story  ; — but  in  the 
meantime  let  us  have  supper.  Mother  Kaven,  dish  the  beef. 
Dick,  draw  the  ale.  Hal,  cut  the  bread.  Steve,  carve. 
Bestir  yourselves,  burn  you  !  or  you  shall  have  no  story  V' 
exclaimed  the  captain,  flinging  himself  into  a  chair  at  the 
head  of  the  table. 

When  his  orders  had  been  obeyed,  and  the  men  were 
gathered  around  the  table,  and  the  first  draught  of  ale  had 
been  quaffed  by  all,  Black  Donald  asked  : 

"Where  do  you  think  I  went  peddling  to-day 

"Devil  knows, said  Hal. 

"  That's  a  secret  between  the  Demon  and  Black  Donald,'' 
said  Dick. 

"  Hush  !  he's  about  to  tell  us,"  murmured  Steve. 

"Wooden  heads  !  you'd  never  guess,  I  went — I  went  to 
— Do  you  give  it  up  ?  I  went  right  straight  into  the  lion's 
jaws — not  only  into  the  very  clutches,  but  into  the  very 
teeth,  and  down  the  very  throat  of  the  lion  !  and  have  come 
out  as  safe  as  Jonas  from  the  whale's  belly  ! — in  a  word,  I 
have  been  up  to  the  county  seat  where  the  court  is  now  in 
session,  and  sold  cigar-cases,  snuff-boxes  and  smoking  caps 


176 


THE   outlaw's  rendezvous. 


to  the  grand  and  petit  jury,  and  a  pair  of  gold  spectacles 
to  the  learned  judge  himself  ! ' 
"  No  r 

'^Noir 

"  No  I  1 1  exclaimed  Hal,  Steve  and  Dick  in  a  breath 
Yes  I  and  moreover,  I  offered  a  pair  of  patent  steel 
spring  handcuffs  to  the  sheriff,  John  Keepe,  in  person,  and 
pressed  him  to  purchase  them,  assuring  him  that  he  would 
have  occasion  for  their  use  if  ever  he  caught  that  grand 
rascal,  Black  Donald  !" 

Ah  !  the  atrocious  villain,  if  I  thought  I  should  ever 
have  the.  satisfaction  of  springing  them  upon  his  wrists,  I'd 
buy  them  at  my  own  proper  cost !'  said  the  sheriff,  taking 
them  in  his  hands,  and  examining  them  curiously. 

'  Ah  !  he's  a  man  of  Belial,  that  same  Black  Donald  ! 
— thee'd  better  buy  the  handcuffs,  John,'  said  I. 

'  Nay,  friend,  I  don't  know  ;  and  as  for  Black  Donald, 
we  have  some  hopes  of  taking  the  wretch  at  last  !'  said  the 
simple  gentleman. 

"  '  Ah,  verily,  John,  that's  a  good  hearing  for  peaceful 
travelers  like  myself,'  said  I. 

" '  Excellent !  excellent !  for  when  that  fell  marauder 

once  swings  from  a  gallows  ' 

"  '  His  neck  will  be  broken,  John  !' 
'Yes,  friend  ;  yes,  probably;  after  which  honest  men 
may  travel  in  safety  !  Ah  !  never  have  I  adjusted  a  hem- 
pen cravat  about  the  throat  of  any  aspirant  for  such  an 
honor,  with  less  pain  than  I  shall  officiate  at  the  last  toilet 
of  Black  Donald  !' 

'  If  thee  catch  him  ?' 
"  '  Exactly  friend,  if  I  catch  him  ;  but  the  additional 
reward  offered  by  Major  Warfield,  together  with  the  report 
that  he  often  frequents  our  towns  and  villages  in  disguise, 
will  stimulate  people  to  renewed  efforts  to  discover  and  cap- 
ture him,'  said  the  sheriff. 

"  '  Ah  I  that  will  be  a  great  day  for  Alleghany.  And 


THE  outlaw's  RENDEZVOTJS. 


177 


when  Black  Donald  is  hanged,  I  shall  make  an  effort  to  be 
present  at  the  solemnity  myself  T 

"  *  Do  friend/  said  the  sheriff,  '  and  I  will  see  to  get- 
ting you  a  good  place  for  witnessing  the  proceedings/ 

'  I  have  no  doubt  thee  will,  John — a  very  good  place  I 
and  I  assure  thee,  that  there  will  not  be  one  present  more 
interested  in  those  proceedings  than  myself/  said  I. 

"  '  Of  course  that  is  very  natural ;  for  there  is  no  one 
more  in  danger  from  these  marauders  than  men  of  your 
itinerant  calling.  Good  heavens  !  it  was  but  three  3^ears 
ago  a  peddler  was  robbed  and  murdered  in  the  woods  around 
the  Hidden  House/ 

'Just  so,  John/  said  I;  'and  it^s  my  opinion  that 
often  when  Fve  been  traveling  along  the  road  at  night 
Black  Donald  hasn^t  been  far  off!  But  tell  me,  John,  so 
that  I  may  have  a  chance  of  earning  that  thousand  dollars 
— what  disguises  does  this  son  of  Moloch  take  V 

ft  i  Why,  friend,  it  is  said  that  he  appears  as  a  Metho- 
dist missionary,  going  about  selling  tracts ;  and  sometimes 
as  a  knife-grinder,  and  sometimes  simulates  your  calling  as 
a  peddler  r  said  the  unsuspicious  sheriff. 

''I  thought,  however,  it  was  time  to  be  off,  so  I  said, 
'  thee  had  better  let  me  sell  thee  those  handcuffs,  John. 
Allow  me  I  I  will  show  thee  their  beautiful  machinery  ! 
Hold  out  thy  wrists,  if  thee  pleases,  John.^ 

''  The  unsuspicious  officer,  with  a  face  brimful  of  inter- 
est, held  out  his  wrists  for  experiment. 

"  I  snapped  the  ornaments  on  them  in  a  little  less  than 
no  time,  and  took  up  my  pack  and  disappeared  before  the 
sheriff  had  collected  his  faculties  and  found  out  his  posi- 
tion.^' 

''  Ha,  ha,  ha  !  haw,  haw,  haw  !  ho,  ho,  ho  laughed 
the  outlaws,  in  every  key  of  laughter — ''  and  so  our  cap- 
tain, instead  of  being  pinioned  by  the  sheriff,  turned  the 
tables  and  actually  manacled  his  honor  I   Hip,  hip,  hur- 


178 


GABRIEL  LE  NOIB. 


rah  !  three  times  three  for  the  merry  captain,  that  mana- 
cled the  sheriff !" 

''Hush,  burn  you!  there's  some  one  coming!"  ex- 
claimed the  captain,  rising  and  listening.  '*  It  is  Le  Koir, 
who  was  to  meet  me  here  to-night  on  important  busi- 
ness.'* 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

GABRIEL  LE  NOIR. 

Naught's  had  1  all's  spent ! 
When  our  desires  are  gained  without  content." 

— Shakespeare. 

^'The  colonel  !"  exclaimed  the  three  men  in  a  breath, 
as  the  door  opened  and  a  tall,  handsome  and  distinguished- 
looking  gentleman,  wrapped  in  a  black  military  coat,  and 
having  his  black  beaver  pulled  low  over  his  brow,  strode 
into  the  room. 

All  arose  upon  their  feet  to  greet  him  as  though  he  had 
been  a  prince. 

With  a  haughty  wave  of  his  hand,  he  bade  them  resume 
their  seats,  and  beckoning  their  leader,  said  : 

"  Donald,  I  would  have  a  word  with  you." 

''  At  your  command.  Colonel,"  said  the  outlaw,  rising 
and  taking  a  candle  and  leading  the  way  into  the  adjoining 
room,  the  same  in  which  fourteen  years  before  old  Granny 
Grewell  and  the  child  had  been  detained. 

Setting  the  candle  upon  the  mantelpiece.  Black  Donald 
stood  waiting  for  the  visitor  to  open  the  conversation  ;  a 
thing  that  the  latter  seemed  in  no  hurry  to  do,  for  he  began 
walking  up  and  down  the  room  in  stern  silence. 


GABRIEL  LE  NOIE. 


179 


^^You  seem  disturbed,  Colonel/^  at  length  said  tlie 
oiulaw. 

^'  L  ain  disturbed — more  than  disturbed  !  I  am  suffer- 
ing I^' 

''Suffering,  Colonel  P 

''  Aye  ! — suSering  ! — from  wbat,  think  you  ? — the  pangs 
of  remorse  T 

''  Remorse  !  ha-ha-ha-ha-ha  V'  laughed  the  outlaw  till 
all  the  rafters  rang. 

''  Aye,  man,  you  may  laugh  !  but  I  repeat  that  I  am 
tortured  with  remorse  ! — and  for  what  do  you  suppose  ? — 
for  those  acts  of  self-preservation  that  fanatics  and  fools 
would  stigmatize  as  crimes  ?  Iso,  my  good  fellow  ;  but  for 
one  '  unacted  crime 

I  told  your  honor  so  !'■'  cried  the  outlaw,  triumphantly. 
Donald,  when  I  go  to  church,  as  I  do  constantly,  I 
hear  the  preacher  prating  of  repentance  ;  but,  man,  I  never 
knew  the  meaning  of  the  word  until  recently  1'' 

And  I  can  almost  guess  what  it  is  that  has  enlightened 
your  honor      said  the  outlaw. 

"  Yes  !  it  is  that  miserable  old  woman  and  babe  ! 
Donald,  in  every  vein  of  my  soul,  I  repent  not  having 
silenced  them  both  forever  while  they  were  yet  in  my 
jDower  I" 

Just  so.  Colonel ;  the  dead  never  come  back  ;  or,  if 
they  do,  are  not  recognized  as  property-holders  in  this 
world  !  I  wish  your  honor  had  taken  my  advice,  and  sent 
that  woman  and  child  on  a  longer  journey." 

Donald — I  was  younger  then  than  now.  I — shrank: 
from  Uoodshed,"  said  the  man,  in  a  husky  voice. 

"  Bah  !  superstition.  Bloodshed  ! — blood  is  shed  every 
day !  '  We  kill  to  live,'  say  the  butchers.  So  do  lue ! 
Every  creature  preys  upon  some  other  creature  weaker  than 
himself — the  big  beasts  eat  up  the  little  ones  ;  artful  men 
live  on  the  simple  ;  so  be  it  !  the  world  was  made  for  the 


180 


GABRIEL  LB  NOIS. 


strong  and  cunning;  let  the  weak  and  foolish  look  to 
themselves  !"  said  the  outlaw,  with  a  loud  laugh. 

While  he  spoke,  the  visitor  resumed  his  rapid,  restless 
striding  up  and  down  the  room.  Presently  he  came  again 
to  tlie  side  of  the  robber,  and  whispered  : 

Donald,  that  girl  has  returned  to  the  neighborhood, 
brought  back  by  old  Warfield.  My  son  met  her  in  the 
woods  a  month  ago,  fell  into  conversation  with  her — heard 
her  history,  or  as  much  of  it  as  she  herself  knows.  Her 
name  is  Capitola  !  she  is  the  living  image  of  her  mother. 
How  she  came  under  the  notice  of  old  Warfield— to  what 
extent  he  is  acquainted  with  her  birth  and  rights — what 
proofs  may  be  in  his  possession,  I  know  not.  All  that  I 
have  discovered,  after  the  strictest  inquiry  that  I  was 
enabled  to  make,  is  tliis  :  that  the  old  beggar-woman  that 
died  and  was  buried  at  Major  Warfield's  expense,  was  no 
other  than  Nancy  Grewell,  returned — that  the  night  before 
she  died  she  sent  for  Major  Warfield,  and  had  a  long  talk 
with  him,  and  that  shortly  afterwards  the  old  scoundrel 
traveled  to  the  North  and  brought  home  this  girl.^' 

Humph  !  it  is  an  ugly  business,  your  honor,  especially 
with  your  honor's  little  prejudice  against  " 

Donald  !  this  is  no  time  for  weakness  !  I  have  gone 
too  far  to  stop — Capitola  must  die." 

That's  so,  Colonel  ;  the  pity  is  that  it  wasn't  found  out 
fourteen  years  ago.  It  is  so  much  easier  to  pinch  a  baby's 
nose  until  it  falls  asleep,  than  to  stifle  a  young  girl's  shrieks 
and  cries  !  Then  the  baby  would  not  have  been  missed  ;  but 
the  young  girl  will  be  sure  to  be  inquired  after." 

"I  know  that  there  will  be  additional  risk  ;  but  there 
shall  be  the  larger  compensation,  larger  than  your  most  san- 
guine hopes  would  suggest.  Donald,  listen  !"  said  the 
colonel,  stooping  and  whispering  low — ''the  day  that  you 
bring  me  undeniable  proof  that  Capit  ola  Le  Noir  is  dead 
you  finger  one  thousand  dollars  !" 

"  Ha-ha-ha  !"  laughed  the  outlaw,  in  angiy  scorn — 


GABRIEL  LE  NOIE. 


181 


''Capitola  Le  Noir  is  the  sole  lieiress  of  a  fortune — in  land, 
negroes,  coal-mines,  iron-foundries,  railway  shares  and  bank 
stock,  of  half  a  million  of  dollars — and  you  ask  me  to  get 
her  out  of  your  way  for  a  thousand  dollars  !  I'll  do  it !  you 
know  I  will !  ha-ha-ha  V 

Why,  the  government  doesn't  value  your  whole  carcass 
at  more  than  I  offer  you  for  the  temporary  use  of  your 
hands,  you  villian  V  frowned  the  colonel. 

^'No  ill  names,  your  honor !  Between  us  they  are  like 
kicking  guns — apt  to  recoil  V 

You  forget  that  you  are  in  my  power.'' 

"  I  remember  that  your  honor  is  in  mine  !  Ha-ha-ha  ! 
The  day  Black  Donald  stands  at  the  bar,  the  honorable 
Colonel  Le  Noir  will  probably  be  beside  him." 

'^Enough  of  this  I  Confound  you,  do  you  take  me  for 
one  of  your  pals  ?" 

No,  your  worship  !  my  pals  are  too  poor  to  hire  their 
work  done  ;  but  then  they  are  brave  enough  to  do  it  them- 
selyes." 

Enough  of  this,  I  say!  Name  the  price  of  this  new 
service !" 

Ten  thousand  dollars — five  thousand  in  advance — the 
remainder  when  the  deed  is  accomplished." 

Extortioner  ! — shameless,  ruthless  extortioner  !" 

Your  honor  will  fall  into  that  vulgar  habit  of  calling 
ill  names  ! — it  isn't  worth  while  ;  it  doesn't  pay.  If  your 
honor  doesn't  like  my  terms  you  needn't  employ  me  ;  what 
is  certain  is,  that  I  cannot  work  for  less." 

You  take  advantage  of  my  necessities." 

Not  at  all ;  but  the  truth  is,  Colonel,  that  I  am  tired 
of  this  sort  of  life,  and  wish  to  retire  from  active  business. 
Besides,  every  man  has  his  ambition,  and  I  have  mine.  I 
wish  to  emigrate  to  the  glorious  West,  settle,  marry,  turn 
my  attention  to  politics,  be  elected  to  Congress,  then  to 
the  Senate,  then  to  the  Cabinet,  then  to  the  White  House ; 
for  success  in  which  career,  I  flatter  myself  nature  and  edu- 


182 


GABRIEL  LE  NOIR. 


cation  have  especially  fitted  me.  Ten  thousand  dollars  will 
give  me  a  fair  start.  Many  a  successful  politician,  your 
honor  knows,  has  started  on  less  character  and  less  capi- 
tal r 

To  this  impudent  slander  the  colonel  made  no  answer  ; 
with  his  arms  folded;,  and  his  head  bowed  upon  his  chest, 
he  walked  moodily  up  and  down  the  length  of  the  apart- 
ment ;  then  muttering,  Why  should  I  hesitate  he  came 
to  the  side  of  the  outlaw,  and  said  : 

I  agree  to  your  terms  ;  accomplish  the  work,  and  the 
sum  shall  be  yours.  Meet  me  here  on  to-morrow  evening 
to  receive  the  earnest  money.  In  the  meantime,  in  order 
to  make  sure  of  the  girl's  identity,  it  will  be  necessary  for 
you  to  get  sight  of  her  beforehand  at  her  home,  if  possible  ; 
find  out  her  habits  and  her  haunts — where  she  walks,  or 
rides — when  she  is  most  likely  to  be  alone,  and  so  on.  Be 
very  careful !    A  mistake  might  be  fatal.  *^ 

Your  honor  may  trust  me.''^ 

And  now  good-bye  ;  remember,  to-morrow  evening, 
said  the  colonel,  as,  wrapping  himself  closely  in  his  dark 
cloak,  and  pulling  his  hat  low  over  his  eyes,  he  passed  out 
by  the  back  passage-door,  and  left  the  house. 

^'  Ha  !  ha-ha  !  Why  does  that  man  think  it  needful  to 
looh  so  villainous  ?  If  /  were  to  go  about  in  such  a  bandit- 
like dress  as  that,  every  child  I  met  would  take  me  for — 
what  I  am,"  laughed  Black  Donald,  returning  to  his  com- 
rades. 

During  the  next  hour  other  members  of  the  band  drop- 
ped in,  until  some  twenty  men  were  collected  together  in 
the  large  kitchen  around  the  long  table,  where  the  remain- 
der of  the  night  was  spent  in  revelry. 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  OAPITOLA, 


183 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 

"  Come  buy  of  me !  come  buy  1  come  buy ! 
Buy,  lads,  or  else  the  lasses  cry ; 
I  have  lawns  as  white  as  snow  ; 
Silk  as  black  as  e'er  was  crow  ; 
Gloves  as  sweet  as  damask  roses  ; 
Veils  for  faces  ;  musk  for  noses ; 
Pins  and  needles  made  of  steel ; 
All  you  need  from  head  to  heel." — Shakespeare. 

If  I  am  not  allowed  to  walk  or  ride  out  alone  I  shall 
'  gang  daft.''   I  know  I  shall.    Was  ever  such  a  dull,  lone- 
some, hum-drum  place  as  this  same  Hurricane  Hall 
complained  Cap,  as  she  sat  sewing  with  Mrs.  Condiment  in 
the  housekeeper's  room. 

You  don't  like  this  quiet  country  life  ?"  inquired  Mrs. 
Condiment. 

No  ;  no  better  than  I  do  a  quiet  country  grave-yard. 
I  don't  want  to  return  to  dust  before  my  time,  I  tell  you,'' 
said  Cap,  yawning  dismally  over  her  work. 

I  HEAR  YOU,  viXEiT  !"  roarcd  the  voice  of  Old  Hurri- 
cane, who  presently  came  storming  in  and  saying  : 

^'  If  you  want  a  ride  go  and  get  ready  quickly  and  come 
with  me;  I  am  going  down  to  the  water-mill,  please  the 
Lord,  to  warn  Hopkins  off  the  premises,  worthless  villian  ! 
had  my  grain  there  since  yesterday  morning,  and  hasn't 
sent  it  home  yet  !  shan't  stay  in  my  mill  another  month. 
Come,  Cap,  be  off  with  you  and  get  ready  !" 

The  girl  did  not  need  a  second  bidding,  but  flew  to  pre- 
pare herself,  while  the  old  man  ordered  the  horses. 

In  ten  minutes  more  Capitola  and  Major  Warfield  can- 
tered away. 


184: 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  OAPITOLA. 


They  had  been  gone  about  two  hours,  and  it  was  almost 
time  to  expect  their  return,  and  Mrs.  Condiment  had  just 
given  orders  for  the  tea-table  to  be  set,  when  Wool  came 
into  her  room  and  said  there  was  a  sailor  at  the  hall-door 
with  some  beautiful  foreign  goods  which  he  wished  to  show 
to  the  ladies  of  the  house. 

A  sailor.  Wool,  a  sailor  with  foreign  goods  for  sale  ? 
I  am  very  much  afraid  he^s  one  of  these  smugglers  IVe  heard 
tell  of  ;  and  I'm  not  sure  about  the  right  of  buying  from 
smugglers  !  However,  I  suppose  there's  no  harm  in  looking 
at  his  goods.  You  may  call  him  in,  Wool,"  said  the  old 
lady,  tampering  with  temptation. 

'^He  do  look  like  a  smudgeler,  dat's  a  fact,''  said  Wool, 
whose  ideas  of  the  said  craft  were  purely  imaginary. 

I  don't  know  him  to  be  a  smuggler,  and  it's  wrong  to 
judge,  particularly  beforehand,"  said  the  old  lady,  nursing 
ideas  of  rich  silks  and  satins,  imported  free  of  duty  and  sold 
at  half  price,  and  trying  to  deceive  herself. 

While  she  was  thus  thinking,  the  door  opened,  and  Wool 
ushered  in  a  stout,  jolly-looking  tar,  dressed  in  a  wide  pea- 
jacket,  duck  trowsers  and  tarpaulin  hat,  and  carrying  in  his 
hand  a  large  pack.  He  took  off  his  hat  and  scraped  Lis  foot 
behind  him,  and  remainded  standing  before  the  house- 
keeper, with  his  head  tied  up  in  a  red  bandanna  handker- 
chief, and  his  chin  sunken  in  a  red  comforter  that  was 
wound  around  his  throat. 

"Sit  down,  my  good  man,  and  rest  while  you  show  me 
the  goods,"  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  who,  whether  he  were 
smuggler  or  not,  was  inclined  to  show  the  traveler  all  law- 
ful kindness. 

The  sailor  scraped  his  foot-  again,  sat  down  on  a  low 
chair,  put  his  hat  on  one  side,  drew  the  pack  before  him, 
untied  it,  and  first  displayed  a  rich,  golden-hued  fabric, 
saying : 

Now  here,  ma'am,  is  a  rich  China  silk  I  bought  in  the 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 


185 


streets  of  Shanghai,  where  the  long-legged  chickens  come 
from  ;  come,  now,  1^11  ship  it  off  cheap  " 

"  Oh,  that  is  a  great  deal  too  gay  and  handsome  for  an 
old  woman  like  me,^'  said  Mrs.  Condiment. 

Well,  ma^am,  perhaps  there^s  young  ladies  in  the  fleet  ? 
Now  this  would  rig  out  a  smart  young  craft  as  gay  as  a 
clipper  !    Better  take  it,  ma'am.    I'll  ship  it  off  cheap. ■'^ 

Wool, said  Mrs.  Condiment,  turning  to  the  servant, 
''go  down  to  the  kitchen  and  call  up  the  house-servants  ; 
perhaps  they  would  like  to  buy  something." 

As  soon  as  Wool  had  gone,  and  the  good  woman  was  left 
alone  with  the  sailor,  she  stooped  and  said  : 

"  I  did  not  wish  to  inquire  before  the  servantman,  but, 
my  good  sir,  I  do  not  know  whether  it  is  right  to  buy  from 
you.- 

''  Why  so,  ma\am  ?"  asked  the  sailor,  with  an  injured 
look. 

Why,  I  am  afraid — I  am  very  much  afraid  you  risk 
your  life  and  liberty  in  an  unlawful  trade.''' 

''Oh,  ma'am,  on  my  soul  these  things  are  honestly  come 
by,  and  you  have  no  right  to  accuse  me  \"  said  the  sailor, 
with  a  look  of  subdued  indio-nation. 

"  I  know  I  haven't,  and  meant  no  harm  ;  but  did  these 
goods  pass  through  the  custom-house 

"  Oh,  ma'am,  now,  that's  not  a  fair  question  !" 

"  It  is  as  I  suspected,  I  cannot  buy  from  you,  my  good 
friend  ;  I  do  not  judge  you  ;  I  don't  know  whether  smug- 
gling is  right  or  wrong  ;  but  I  know  that  it  is  unlawful,  and 
I  cannot  feel  free  to  encourage  any  man  in  a  traffic  in  which 
he  risks  his  life  and  liberty,  poor  fellow  !" 

"  Oh,  ma'am,"  said  the  sailor,  evidently  on  the  brink  of 
bursting  into  laughter — "  if  we  risk  our  lives,  sure  it's  our 
own  business,  and  if  you've  no  scruples  on  your  oxen  account 
you  needn't  have  any  on  ours  !" 

While  he  was  speaking  the  sound  of  many  shuffling  feet 


186 


THE  SMUGGLEB  AND  OAPlToLA. 


was  heard  along  the  passage,  and  the  room  Avas  coon  lialf 
filled  with  colored  people  come  in  to  deal  with  the  sailor. 

You  may  look  at  these  goods ;  but  you  must  not  buy 
anything/-' 

Lor',  missus,  why     asked  little  Pitapat. 

Because  I  want  you  to  lay  out  all  your  money  with  my 
friend  Mr.  Crash,  at  Tip-top.'' 

But  after  de  good  gemman  has  had  de  trouble  said 
Pitapat. 

He  shall  have  his  supper  and  a  mug  of  ale  and  go  on 
his  journey,''  said  Mrs.  Condiment. 

The  sailor  arose  and  scraped  his  foot  behind  him  in 
acknowledgment  of  this  kindness,  and  began  to  unpack 
his  wares  and  display  them  all  over  the  floor. 

And  while  the  servants  in  wonder  and  delight  examined 
these  treasures  and  inquired  their  prices,  a  fresh,  young 
voice  was  heard  carolling  along  the  hall,  and  the  next 
moment  Capitola,  in  her  green  riding  habit  and  hat,  entered 
the  room. 

She  turned  her  mischievous  gray  eyes  about,  pursed  up 
her  lips,  and  asked  Mrs.  Condiment  if  she  were  about  to 
open  a  fancy  bazaar. 

No,  my  dear  Miss  Capitola.  It  is  a  sailor  with  for- 
eign goods  for  sale,"  answered  the  old  lady. 

A  sailor  with  foreign  goods  for  sale  !  umph  !  yes  !  I 
know.    Isn't  he  a  smuggler  ?"  whispered  Capitola. 

"  Indeed,  I'm  afraid  so,  my  dear  !  In  fact  he  don't 
deny  it  !"  whispered  back  the  matron. 

Well,  /  think  it's  strange  a  man  that  smuggles  can't 

lie  !" 

Well,  I  don't  know,  my  dear  ;  maybe  he  thinks  it's  no 
harm  to  smuggle,  and  he  knows  it  would  be  a  sin  to  lie. 
But  where  is  your  uncle.  Miss  Capitola  ?" 

Gone  around  to  the  stable  to  blow  Jem  up  for  mount- 
ing him  on  a  lame  horse  ;  he  swears  J  em  shall  find  another 
master  before  to-morrow's  sun  sets.  But  now  I  want  to  talk 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 


187 


to  that  bold  buccaneer.  Say  yon,  sir  !  Show  me  your  foreign 
goods  ;  I^m  very  fond  of  smugglers  myself  V 

You  are  right,  my  dear  young  lady  !  Yotc  would  give 
poor  sailors  some  little  chance  to  turn  an  honest  penny/' 

"  Certainly  !  brave  fellows  !  Show  me  that  splendid 
fabric  that  shines  like  cloth  of  gold/' 

''This,  my  young  lady,  is  a  real,  genuine  China  silk  ;  I 
bought  it  myself  in  my  last  cruise  in  the  streets  of  Shang- 
hai, where  the  long-legged  chickens  " 

"  And  fast  3^oung  men  come  from  !  I  know  the  place. 
Fve  been  all  along  there  !"  interrupted  Oapitola,  her  gray 
eyes  glittering  with  mischief. 

''This,  you  will  perceive,  young  lady,  is  an  article  that 
cannot  be  purchased  anywhere  except  " 

"  From  the  manufactory  of  foreign  goods  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  or  from  their  traveling  agents." 

"  Oh,  my  dear  young  lady,  how  you  wrong  me  !  This 
article  came  from  

"  The  factory  of  Messrs.  Hocus  &  Pocus,  corner  of  Cant 
and  Come-it  street,  city  of  Gotham  V 

"  Oh,  my  dear  young  lady — " 

"Look  liere,  my  brave  buccaneer,  I  know  all  about  it. 
I  told  3'ou  I'd  been  along  there  said  the  girl ;  and  turning 
to  Mrs.  Condiment,  she  said  :  '*  See  here,  my  dear,  good 
soul  if  yon  want  to  buy  that  '  India'  silk  that  you  are  look- 
ing at  so  longingly,  you  may  do  it  with  a  safe  conscience. 
True,  it  ne^er  passed  throngh  the  custom-house — because 
it  was  made  in  New  York.  I  know  all  about  it  !  All 
these  'foreign  goods'  are  manufactured  at  the  north  and 
sent  by  agents  all  over  the  country.  These  agents  dress  and 
talk  like  sailors,  and  assume  a  mysterious  manner  on  pur- 
pose to  be  suspected  of  smuggling — because  they  know  well 
enough  fine  ladies  will  buy  much  quicker  and  pay  much 
more,  if  they  only  fancy  they  are  cheating  Uncle  Sam,  in 
buying  foreign  goods  from  a  smuggler  at  half  price  !" 


188 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOL  A. 


So,  then,  you  are  not  a  smuggler,  after  all !"  said 
Mrs.  Condiment,  looking  almost  regretfully  at  the  sailor. 

Why,  ma'am,  you  know  I  told  you  you  were  accusing 
me  wrongfully.'' 

Well,  but  really,  now,  there  was  something  about  you 
that  looked  sort  of  suspicious." 

What  did  I  tell  you !  a  look  put  on  on  purpose,"  said 

Cap. 

Well — he  knows  that  if  he  wanted  to  pass  for  a  smug- 
gler, it  didn't  take  here"  said  Mrs.  Condiment. 

^'  No — that  it  didn't !"  muttered  the  object  of  these 
commentaries. 

"  Well,  my  good  man,  since  you  are,  after  all,  an  honest 
peddler,  just  hand  me  that  silk,  and  don't  ask  me  an 
unreasonable  price  for  it,  because  I'm  a  judge  of  silks,  and 
I  won't  pay  more  than  it  is  worth,"  said  the  old  lady. 

Madam,  I  leave  it  to  your  own  conscience.  You  shall 
give  me  just  what  you  think  it's  worth." 

Humph  !  that's  too  fair  by  half.  I  begin  to  think 
this  fellow  is  worse  than  he  seems  !"  said  Capitola  to  her- 
self. 

After  a  little  hesitation  a  price  was  agreed  upon,  and 
the  dress  bought. 

Then  the  servants  received  permission  to  invest  their 
little  change  in  ribbons,  handkerchiefs,  tobacco,  snuff,  or 
whatever  they  thought  they  needed.  When  the  purchases 
were  all  made,  and  the  peddler  had  done  up  his  diminished 
pack  and  replaced  his  hat  upon  his  head  and  was  preparing 
to  leave,  Mrs.  Condiment  said  : 

''My  good  man,  it  is  getting  very  late,  and  we  do  not 
like  to  see  a  traveler  leave  our  house  at  this  hour ;  pray 
remain  until  morning,  and  then,  after  an  early  breakfast, 
you  can  pursue  your  way  in  safety." 

"  Thank  you,  kindly,  ma'am,  but  I  must  be  far  on  my 
road  to-night,"  said  the  peddler. 

*'  But,  my  good  man^  you  are  a  stranger  in  this  part  of 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  OAPITOLA. 


189 


the  country,  and  don't  know  the  danger  you  run/'  said 
the  housekeeper. 

Danger,  ma'am,  in  this  quiet  country  I" 
"  Oh,  dear,  yes,  my  good  man,  particularly  with  your 
valuable  pack — oh,  my  good  gracious  !"  cried  the  old  lady, 
with  an  appalled  look. 

Indeed,  ma'am,  you — you  make  me  sort  of  uneasy  ! 
What  danger  can  there  be  for  a  poor,  peaceful  peddler 
pursuing  his  path  ?" 

Oh,  my  good  soul,  may  Heaven  keep  you  from — 
Black  Donald  !" 

Black  Donald— who's  he  ?" 

Oh,  my  good  man,  he's  the  awf  ulest  villain  that  ever 
went  unhung  !" 

Black  Donald  !  Black  Donald  !  never  heard  that  name 
Defore  in  my  life  !  Why  is  the  fellow  called  Blach  Don- 
ald ?" 

^'Oh,  sir,  he's  called  Black  Donald  for  his  black  soul, 
Dlack  deeds,  and — and — also,  I  believe,  for  his  jet  black 
hair  and  beard." 

^'  Oh,  my  countrymen,  what  a  falling  up  was  there  !" 
exclaimed  Oapitola,  at  this  anti-climax. 

And  how  shall  I  keep  from  meeting  this  villain  ?" 
asked  the  peddler. 

Oh,  sir,  how  can  I  tell  you  ?  You  never  can  form  an 
idea  where  he  is  or  where  he  isn't !  Only  think,  he  may 
be  in  our  very  midst  any  time,  and  we  not  know  it.  Why, 
only  yesterday  the  desperate  villian  handcuffed  the  very 
sheriff  in  the  very  courtyard  !  Yet  I  wonder  the  sheriff 
did  not  know  him  at  once  I  For  my  own  part,  I'm  sure  1 
should  know  Black  Donald  the  minute  I  clapped  my  two 
looking  eyes  on  him  !" 

"  Should  you,  ma'am  ?" 
Yes,  indeed,  by  his  long,  black  hair  and  beard  I  They 
say  it  is  a  half  a  yard  long.    Now  a  man  of  such  a  singular 
appearance  as  that  must  be  easily  recognized !" 


190 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  OAPTTOLA. 


"  Of  course  !  Then  you  never  met  this  wretch  face  to 
face  r 

Me  !  me  !  am  I  standing  here  alive  ?  Do  you  suppose 
I  should  be  standing  here  if  ever  I  had  met  that  demon  ? 
Why,  man,  I  never  leave  this  house,  even  in  the  day-time, 
except  with  two  bull-dogs  and  a  servant,  for  fear  I  should 
meet  Black  Donald  !  I  know  if  ever  I  should  meet  that 
demon,  I  should  drop  dead  with  terror.    I  feel  I  should  !" 

"  But  maybe  now,  ma^am,  the  man  may  not  be  so  bad, 
after  all.  Even  the  devil  is  not  so  black  as  he  is  painted.'^ 
^*The  devil  may  not  be,  but  Black  Donald  is." 

What  do  you  think  of  this  outlaw,  young  lady  asked 
the  peddler,  turning  to  Capitola. 

Why,  I  lihe  him  V  said  Cap. 

You  do  r 

"  Yes,  1  do  !  I  like  men  whose  very  names  strike  terror 
into  the  hearts  of  commonplace  people  V 

"  Oh,  Miss  Black  \"  exclaimed  Mrs.  Condiment. 

''Yes,  I  do,  ma^am.  And  if  Black  Donald  were  only  as 
honest  as  he  is  brave,  I  should  quite  adore  him  !  so  there ! 
And  if  there  is  one  person  in  the  world  I  long  to  see,  it  is 
Black  Donald. 

''  Do  you  really  wish  to  see  him  asked  the  peddler, 
looking  intently  into  the  half  earnest,  half  satirical  face  of 
the  girl. 

"  Yes,  I  do  wish  to  see  him  above  all  things." 
*' And  do  you  know  what  happened  to  the  rash  girl  who 
wished  to  see  the  devil  ?" 
'*  No— what  did  r 
"She  saw  Mm!" 

"  Oh,  if  that^s  all,  I  dare  it !  and  if  wishing  will  bring 
me  the  sight  of  this  notorious  outlaw,  lo  !  I  wish  it.  I  wish 
it.    I  wish  to  see  Black  Donald,^'  said  Capitola. 

The  peddler  deliberately  arose  and  put  down  his  pack 
and  his  hat ;  then  he  suddenly  tore  off  the  scarf  from  his 
neck  and  the  handkerchief  from  his  head,  lifted  his  chin 


THE  SMtTGOLBB  AKD  OAPITOLA. 


191 


and  shook  loose  a  great,  rolling  mass  of  black  hair  and  beard; 
drew  himself  up,  struck  an  attitude,  called  up  a  look,  and 
exclaimed  : 

Behold  Black  Donald  V 

With  a  piercing  shriek,  Mrs.  Condiment  swooned  and 
fell  to  the  floor  ;  the  poor  negroes,  men  and  maids,  were 
struck  dumb  and  motionless  with  consternation  ;  Capitola 
gazed  for  one  lost  moment  in  admiration  and  curiosity  ;  in 
the  meantime  Black  Donald  quickly  resumed  his  disguises, 
took  up  his  pack  and  walked  out  of  the  room. 

Capitola  was  the  first  to  recover  her  presence  of  mind  ; 
the  instinct  of  the  huntress  possessed  her  ;  starting  forward, 
she  exclaimed  : 

Pursue  him  !  catch  him  !  come  with  me  !  Cowards  ! 
will  you  let  a  robber  and  murderer  escape  and  she  ran 
out  and  overtook  the  outlaw  in  the  middle  of  the  hall. 
With  the  agile  leap  of  a  little  terrier  she  sprang  up  behind 
him,  seized  the  thick  collar  of  his  pea-jacket  with  both 
hands,  and  drawing  up  her  feet,  hung  there  with  all  her 
weight,  crying  :  ' 

Help  !  murder  !  murder  !  help  !  Come  to  my  aid  ! 
Vyq  caught  Black  Donald  \" 

He  could  have  killed  her  instantly  in  any  one  of  a  dozen 
ways  I  He  could  have  driven  in  her  temples  with  a  blow  of 
his  sledge-hammer  first ;  he  could  have  broken  her  neck 
with  the  grip  of  his  iron  fingers  ;  he  only  wished  to  shake 
her  off  without  hurting  her — a  difiScult  task,  for  there  she 
hung,  a  dead  weight,  at  the  collar  of  his  coat  at  the  back  of 
his  neck. 

^'Oh,  very  well!"  he  cried,  laughing  aloud.  ^^Such 
adhesiveness  I  never  saw  !  You  stick  to  me  like  a  wife  to 
her  husband.  So,  if  you  won't  let  go,  I  shall  have  to  take 
you  along,  that's  all !  So  here  I  go,  like  Christian  with  his 
bundle  of* sin  on  his  back." 

And  loosing  the  upper  button  of  his  pea-jacket  so  as  to 
give  him  more  breath,  and  putting  down  his  peddler's  pack 


192 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 


to  relieve  himself  as  much  as  possible,  the  outlaw  strode 
through  the  hall-door,  down  the  steps,  and  down  the  ever- 
green avenue  leading  to  the  woods. 

Oapitola,  still  clinging  to  the  back  of  his  coat-collar, 
with  her  feet  drawn  up,  a  dead  weight,  and  still  crying  : 

Help  !  murder  !  Fve  caught  Black  Donald,  and  I'll 
die  before  Til  let  him  go" 

"  You're  determined  to  be  an  outlaw's  bride,  that's  cer- 
tain. Well  I've  no  particular  objection,"  cried  Black  Don- 
ald, roaring  with  laughter  as  he  strode  on. 

It  was  a  thing  to  see,  not  hear" — that  brave,  rash, 
resolute  imp  clinging  like  a  terrier,  or  a  crab,  or  a  briar,  on 
to  the  back  of  that  gigantic  rufiBan,  whom,  if  she  had  no 
strength  to  stop,  she  was  determined  not  to  release. 

They  had  nearly  reached  the  foot  of  the  descent  when  a 
great  noise  and  hallooing  was  heard  behind  them.  It  was 
the  negroes,  who,  having  recovered  from  their  panic,  and 
armed  themselves  with  guns,  pistols,  swords,  pokers, 
tongs,  and  pitch-forks,  were  now  in  hot  pursuit. 

And  cries  of  ''Black  Donald!"  ''Black  Donald!" 
"  Black  Donald  !"  filled  the  air. 

"  I've  got  him  !  I've  got  him  !  help  !  help  !  quick  ! 
quick  !"  screamed  Capitola,  clinging  closer  than  ever. 

Though  still  roaring  with  laughter  at  the  absurdity  of 
his  position.  Black  Donald  strode  on  faster  than  before  and 
was  in  a  fair  way  of  escape,  when  lo  !  suddenly  coming  np 
the  path  in  front  of  him,  he  met — 

Old  Hurricane  !  !  ! 

As  the  troop  of  misoellaneously-armed  negroes  run- 
ning down  the  hill  were  still  making  eve  "  hideous"  with 
yells  of  "  Black  Donald  I"  "Black  Donald  !"  and  Oapitola 
still  clinging  and  hanging  on  at  the  back  of  his  neck  con- 
tinued to  cry  :  "I've  caught  him  !  I've  caught  him  !  help  ! 
help  !"  something  like  the  truth  flashed  in  a  blinking  way 
upon  Old  Hurricane's  perceptions. 

Roaring  forth  something  between  a  recognition  and  defi- 


THE  SMTJGOLEE  AKD  CAPITOL  A. 


193 


ance,  the  old  man  threw  up  his  fat  arms,  and  as  fast  as  age 
and  obesity  would  permit,  ran  up  the  hill  to  intercept  the 
outlaw. 

There  was  no  time  for  trifling  now !  The  army  of 
negroes  was  at  his  heels ;  the  old  veteran  in  his  path  ;  the 
girl  clinging  a  dead  weight  to  his  jacket  behind.  An  idea 
suddenly  struck  him  which  he  wondered  had  not  done  so 
before — quickly  unbuttoning  and  throwing  of  his  garment 
he  dropped  both  captor  and  jacket  behind  him  on  the 
ground. 

And  before  Capitola  had  picked  herself  up,  Black  Don- 
ald, bending  his  huge  head  and  shoulders  forward  and 
making  a  battering-ram  of  himself,  ran  with  all  his  force 
and  butted  Old  Hurricane  in  the  stomach,  pitched  him 
into  the  horse-pond,  leaped  over  the  park  fence  and  disap- 
peared in  the  forest. 

What  a  sct^ne  !  what  a  row  followed  the  escape  and  flight 
of  the  famous  otttlaw  ! 

Who  could  imagine,  far  less  describe  it  I — a  general 
tempest  in  which  every  individual  was  a  particular  storm. 

There  stood  the  baffled  Capitola,  extricating  her  head 
from  the  pea-jacket,  and  with  her  eyes  fairly  flashing  out 
s;parlcs  of  anger,  exclaiming  : 

Oh,  wretches  I  wi'etches  that  you  are  !  if  you\l  been 
worth  salt  you  could  have  caught  him  while  I  clung  to  him 
so  \" 

There  wallowed  Old  Hurricane,  spluttering,  flounder- 
ing, half-drowning,  in  the  horse-pond,  making  the  most 
frantic  efforts  to  curse  and  swear  as  he  struggled  to  get 
out. 

There  stood  the  crowd  of  negroes  brought  to  a  sudden 
stand  by  a  panic  of  horror  at  seeing  the  dignity  of  their 
master  so  outraged. 

And  most  frenzied  of  all,  there  ran  Wool  around  and 
around  the  margin  of  the  pond,  in  a  state  of  yiolent  per- 


m 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  OAPITOLA. 


pWxiiy  li(^w  tb  ge#  liis  master  mi  without  halMrdwning 

Blurr-urr-rr  I  flitch!  filch!  Blurr-ur  !  splut/tered 
£iad'^ne6Ze(i 'mid  Btraiigled  Old  Hurrietine,  as  teflouw^ered 
to«s^tla0'  edge  of  the^  pond.  Blufr-urr'-rr!  Help  me  out, 
yod- scoundi-el !'  -  PIP  break  everj^  bone  in  jom—flUch!— 
bMyl' -Do  yon  ■  liekr  me^(?«-S7m^^^  yon  \  flitch  ! 

flitch!  m-sn:ish\^:  oh-h  p' 

Wool;  wirf^li  liigi  eyes  starUng  bis  head,  and  his  hair 
standing  np  with  horrors  of  all  sorts,  plnnged  at  last  into 
tlie^  Water  iiiid  pnllGd^  his  old  master  np  npon  his  feet. 

■^^  Vcfj'Smsli  I  cu-snisli !  Uuvr-rir  !  flitcii  /—what  are  yon 
gapiiig  there  for^as  if  yonM  raised  the  deyil^  you  crowd  of 
born  f  00(1^  I '^howled  Old  Hm-ricane^  as-soon  as  he  eonld  get 
the^  wate^^out  of  ^hi^  mouthaind  noser— what; arc  yon  stand- 
ing there  for  ? — after  him  !  after  him,  I  say  !  Scour  the 
WOai^  M  ^ery  directional  His  freedom  to  any  man  who 
brings  me  Black  Donald,  dead  or  alive     Wool  V' 

'  '^  ^^^"Eesy  sir,-  said  tliat  functionary  who  was  busying 
himseM  wi^th  scjuqezing  the  water  ont  of  his  master's  gar- 

Wooly  let  me  alone!  take  the  fleetest  horse  in  the 
stable  !  ride  for  your  life  to  the  Conrt  House  !  Tell  Keep^ 
to  havb  new  bills* posted  everywhere,  offering  an  additional 
five  hundred  dollars  for  the  apprehension  of  that— that— 
that " — for  the  want  of  a  word  strong  enough  to  express 
himself.  Old  Hurricane  suddenly  stopped,  and  for  lack  of 
his  stick  to  make  silence  emphatic,  he  seized  his  gray  hair 
with  both  hands  and  groaned  aloud. 

Wool  waited  no  second  bidding,  but  flew  to  do  his 
errand. 

Oapitolacame  to  the  old  man's  side,  saying  : 
Uncle,  hadn't  yon  better  hurry  home— you'll  take 
oold.'^:^^--'  ■ 

1/ OoldP— :(7oZJ/ 'deinmy  I  I  never  was  so  hot  in  my 
life  !"  cried  the  old  man  ;  ''but  demmy  !  you're  right  I  run 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 


195 


to  the  house,  Capitola,  and  tell  Mrs.  Coiidimeat  to:  lia^e 
me  a  full  suit  of  dry  clothes  before  iJic  fire  in  mryojhk^^^ 
Gro,  child  !  every  man-jack  is  o:ff  after  Black  Donald,  and 
there  is  nobody  but  you,  andOondim:ent,  aiaddlie -iiouse- 
nmids  to  take  care  of  me.  -Stop,  dooki  for ;  tij  siidr  first ; 
where  did  that  black  demon  throw  it  dendmy  lM^d  as 
well  be  without  my  legs  :  ; 

-  -  Capitola  picked  up  the  old  man^s  cane  and  hat,  ahd  put 
tho  oiie  on  his  head  and  the  other  in  hi&  hand,  and  then 
hastened  to  find  Mrs.  Condiment,  and  :t ell  her  to  j)repiffle 
to  receiye  her  half-drowned  patron.  She  found  thfe  old 
lady  scarcely  recovored  from  the  effects  of  her  recerit'^frighit, 
hixt  ready  OIL  the  instant  to  make  eyery  effort  oh  behyfr  of 
Qld  HuiTicane,  who  presently  after  arrived  drSppingi^etcalt 
the  house. 

-  .  Xeating:the  old  gentleman  :to  the  :care :  of  'his'Ihouse- 
-keeper,:we:must  follow  Bliick  Donald.  :  -  ^ 

Hatless  and  coatless,  with  his  long  black  hair.and^beard 
blown  by  the  wind,  the  outlaw  made  tracks  for  his 
retreat — occasionally  stopping  to  turn-and  got  -  breath,  and 
send  a^shout  of  laughter  at  his  baffied  pursuers:  - 

That  same  night,  at  the  usual  hour,  the  gang'nret  at 
their  rendezvous,  the  deserted  inn,  beside  the -oM  road 
throug-h  the  forest.  They  were  in  the  midst  of  their,  orgies 
around  the  supper-table,  when  the  well-known 'ringing  step 
of  the  leader  sounded  under  the  back  windows  without, 
the-  door  was  burst  open,  and  the  captain,  hatl ass,  coatless, 
with  his  dark  elf  locks  flying,  and  every  sign  of  haste  and 
disorder,  rushed  into  the  room. 

He  was  met  by  a  geneml  rising  and  outcry  Hi  ! 
hillo  !  what's  up  exclaimed  every  nian>  starting  to  his 
feet  and  laying  liands  upon  secrot  arms,  prepared  fot*  in- 
stant resistance. 

For  a  moment  Black  Donald  stood  with  his  ton ine  head 

-  turned -and  looking  back  oyer  his  stalwart  *shGulders,  ksj  if 


196 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 


in  expectation  of  pursuit,  and  then,  with  a  loud  laugh, 
turned  to  his  men,  exclaiming  : 

Ho  !  you  thought  me  followed  !  So  I  have  been  !  but 
not  as  close  as  hound  to  heel  \" 

"  In  fact,  Captain,  you  look  as  if  you'd  but  escaped  with 
your  skin  this  time     said  Hal. 

"Faith  !  the  captain  looks  well  peeled  V  said  Stephen. 
Worse  than  that,  boys  !  worse  than  that !  Your  chief 
has  not  only  lost  his  pack,  his  hat  and  his  coat,  but — his 
heart !  Not  only  are  the  outworks  battered,  but  the  citadel 
itself  is  taken  !  Not  only  has  he  been  captured,  but  cajp- 
tivated!  and  all  by  a  little  minx  of  a  girl  ! — Boys,  your  chief 
is  in  love  !"  exclaimed  Black  Donald,  throwing  himself  into 
his  seat  at  the  head  of  the  table,  and  quaffing  off  a  large 
draught  of  ale. 

"  Hip  !  hip  !  hurraw  !  three  times  three  for  the  Cap- 
tain's love  \"  cried  Hal,  rising  to  propose  the  toast,  which 
was  honored  with  enthusiasm. 

"  Now  tell  us  all  about  it.  Captain.  Who  is  she  ?  where 
did  you  see  her  ?  is  she  fair  or  dark  ?  tall  or  short ;  thin  or 
plump  ;  what's  her  name,  and  is  she  kind  ?"  asked  Hal. 

"First  guess  where  I  have  been  to-day." 

"You  and  your  demon  only  know  !" 

"I  guess  they  also  know  at  Hurricane  Hall,  for  it  is 
there  I  have  been  !" 

"  Well,  then,  why  didn't  you  go  to  perdition  at  once  ?" 
exclaimed  Hal,  in  a  consternation  that  was  reflected  in  every 
countenance  present. 

"  Why,  because  when  I  go  there  I  intend  to  take  you  all 
with  me  and  remain  !"  answered  Black  Donald. 

"  Tell  us  about  the  visit  to  Hurricane  Hall,"  said  Hal. 

Whereupon  Black  Donald  commenced,  and  concealing 
only  the  motive  of  his  visit,  gave  his  comrades  a  very 
graphic,  spicy  and  highly  colored  narrative  of  his  adventure 
at  Hurricane  Hall,  and  particularly  of  his  "passages  at 


THE  SMUGGLER  AXD  CAPITOLA. 


197 


arms  "  with  the  little  witcli.  Capitola.  whom  he  described 
as : 

Sucli  a  girl  !  slender,  petite,  lithe,  with  bright,  black 
ringlets  dancing  around  a  little  face  full  of  fun,  frolic,  mis- 
chief and  spirit,  and  eyes  quick  and  Tivacious  as  those  of  a 
monkey,  darting  hither  and  thither  from  object  to  object. 
•^The  Captain  is  in  love,  sure  enough,^'  said  Steve. 
^'  Bravo  !  hero's  success  to  the  Captain's  love  I — She's  a 
brick  I'^  shouted  the  men. 

Oh,  she  isJ'  assented  their  chief,  with  enthusiasm. 

Long  life  to  her  !  three  times  three  for  the  pretty 
witch  of  Hurricane  Hall  1'"'  roared  the  men,  rising  to  their 
feet  and  raising  their  full  mugs  high  in  the  air,  before 
pledging  the  toast. 

That  is  all  very  well,  boys  ;  but  I  want  more  substan- 
tial compliments  than  words — Boys!  I  must  have  that  girlP^ 

Who  doubts  it.  Captain  ? — of  course  you  will  take  her 
at  once  if  you  want  her,"  said  Hal,  confidently. 

But,  I  must  have  help  in  taking  her."'^ 

Captain,  I  volunteer  for  one  I"^  exclaimed  Hal. 

And  I,  for  another,''  added  Steve. 

And  yoiu  Dick  ?'''  inquired  the  leader,  turning  towards 
the  sullen  man,  whose  greater  atrocity  had  gained  for  him 
the  name  of  Demon  Dick. 

^"  TThat  is  the  use  of  volunteering  w'hen  the  captain  has 
only  to  command,'^  said  this  individual,  sulkily. 

All  I  when  the  enterprise  is  simply  the  robbing  of  a 
mail-coach,  in  which  you  all  have  equal  interest,  then,  in- 
deed, your  captain  has  only  to  command,  and  you  to  obey  ; 
but  tliis  is  a  more  delicate  matter  of  entering  a  lady's 
chamber  and  carrying  her  off  for  the  captain's  arms,  and  so 
should  only  be  entrusted  to  those  whose  feelings  of  devotion 
to  the  captain's  person  prompt  them  to  volunteer  for  the 
service,'^  said  Black  Donald. 

How  elegantly  our  captain  speaks  !  he  ought  to  be  a 
lawyer/'  said  Steve. 


198 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOL  A. 


The  captain  knows  Vm  with  him  for  everything/^  said 
Dick,  sulkily. 

**Very  well,  then  I  for  a  personal  service  like  this,  a 
delicate  service  requiring  devotion,  I  should  scorn  to  give 
commands  !  I  thank  you  for  your  offered  assistance,  my 
friends,  and  shall  count  on  you' three,  Hal,  Stephen  and 
Eichard,  for  the  enterprise,"  said  the  captain. 

Ay  lay  !  ay     said  the  three  men  in  a  breath. 

"For  the  time  and  place  and  manner  of  the  seizure  of 
the  girl,  w-e  must  reflect.  Let  us  see  !  there  is  to  be  a  fair 
in  the  village  next  w^eek,  during  the  session  of  the  court. 
Old  Hurricane  will  be  at  court  as  usual.  And  for  one  day, 
at  least>:  his:sei'vants  will  have  a  holiday  to  go  to  the  fair. 
They  will  not  get  home  until  the  next  morning.  The 
house  will  be  ill-guarded.  We  must  find  out  the  particular 
day  and  night  v/hen  this  shall  be  so.  Then  you  three  shall 
watch  your  opportunity,  enter  the  house  by  stealth,  conceal 
yourselves  in  the  chamber  of  the  girl,  and  at  midnight, 
when  all  is  quiet,  gag  her  and  bring  her  away/' 

"  ExcGllent  r  said  Hal. 

"  And  mind,  no  liberty  except  the  simple  act  of  carry- 
ing her  off  is  to  be  taken  with  your  captain^s  prize,"  said 
the  leader,  with  a  threatening  glare  of  his  lion-like  eye. 

"  Oh,  no  !  no  !  not  for  the  world  !  She  shall  be  as 
sacred  from  insult  as  though  she  were  an  angel  and  we 
saints,"  said  Hal,  both  the  others  assenting. 

"  And  now  not  a  word  more.  We  will  arrange  the  fur- 
ther details  of  this  business  hereafter,"  said  the  captain,  as 
a  peculiar  signal  was  given  at  the  door. 

Waiving  his  hand  for  the  men  to  keep  their  places. 
Black  Donald  w^ent  out  and  opened  the  back  passage  door, 
admitting  Col.  Le  Noir. 

"Well,"  said  the  latter,  anxiously. 

"  Well,  sir,  I  have  contrived  to  see  her;  come  into  the 
front  room  and  I  will  tell  you  all  about  it,'^  said  the  out- 


THE  SMUGGLER  AND  CAPITOLA. 


199 


law,  leading  the  way  into  the  old  parlor  that  had  been  the 
scene  of  so  many  of  their  conspiracies. 

''Does  Capitola  Le  K'oir  still  livef  hoarsely  demanded 
the  colonel/  as  the  two  conspirators  reached  the  parlor. 

''  Still  live  ?  yes ;  'twas  hut  yesterday  we  agreed  upon 
her  death.  Give  a  man  time.  Sit  down_,  Colonel  ;  take 
this  seat  I  we  will  talk  the  matter  over  again.  *^ 

With  something  very  like  a  sigh  of  relief.  Colonel  Le 
Xcir  threw  himself  into  the  offered  chair. 

Black  Donald  drew  another  chair  np  and  sat  down 
beside  his  patron. 

Well,  Colonel,  I  have  contrived  to  see  the  girl  as  I  told 
you,^^  he  began. 

''  But  you  have  not  done  the  deed  ;  when  v/ill  it  be 
done  r 

''  Colonel,  my  patron,  be  patient.  Within  twelve  days 
I  shall  claim  the  last  instalment  of  the  ten  thousand  dollars 
agreed  upon  between  us  for  this  job." 

'^'But  why  so  long  ?  since  it  is  to  be  done,  why  not  have 
it  over  at  once  said  Colonel  Le  Xoir,  starting  up  and 
pacing  the  floor  impatiently. 

''  Patience,  my  Colonel.  The  cat  may  play  with  the 
mouse  most  delightfully  before  devouring  it.'^ 

''  What  do  you  mean  V' 
My  Colonel,  I  have  seen  the  girl  uuder  circumstances 
that  has  fired  my  heart  with  an  uncontrollable  desire  for 
her  " 

'-  Ha-ha-ha  I'^  scornfully  laughed  the  colonel.  "  Black 
Donald,  the  mail-robber,  burglar,  outlaw,  the  subject  of  the 
grand  passion  I'*' 

"  Why  not,  my  Colonel.  Listen,  you  shall  hear,  and 
then  you  shall  judge  whether  or  not  you  yourself  miglit  not 
haye  been  fired  by  the  fascination  of  such  a  witch  said 
the  outlaw,,  who  stmightvray  commenced  and  gave  his  patron 
the  same  account  of  his  visit  to  Hurricane  Hall  that  he  had 
already  related  to  his  comrades. 


200 


THE  boy's  love. 


The  colonel  heard  the  story  with  many  a  ''pish,'* 
''  tush  "  and  ''pshaw/^  and  when  the  man  had  concluded 
the  tale,  he  exclaimed  : 

*'  Is  that  all  ?  Then  we  may  continue  our  negotiations 
— I  care  not.  Carry  her  off  !  marry  her  !  do  as  you  please 
with  her  !  only  at  the  end  of  all — hill  Tier  hoarsely  whis- 
pered Le  Noir. 

''  That  is  just  what  I  intend,  Colonel." 

''  That  will  do  if  the  event  he  certain ;  but  it  must  he 
certain.  I  cannot  breathe  freely  while  my  hr other's  heiress 
lives  I"  whispered  Le  Noir. 

''  Well,  Colonel,  be  content ;  here  is  my  hand  upon  it. 
In  six  days  Capitola  will  be  in  my  power.  In  twelve  days 
you  shall  be  out  of  hers," 

''It  is  a  bargain, ''^  said  each  of  the  conspirators  in  a 
breath,  as  they  shook  hands  and  parted — Le  Ngir  to  his 
home  and  Black  Donald  to  join  his  comrades'  revelry. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE  boy's  love. 

"Endearing!  endearing  I 

Why  so  endearing 
Are  those  soft,  shining  eyes, 

Through  their  silk  fringe  peering  ? 
They  love  thee  I  they  love  thee  I 

Deeply,  sincerely ; 
And  more  than  aught  else  on  earth 

Thou  lovest  them  dearly  !"       — Motherwell. 

While  these  dark  conspiracies  were  hatching  elsewhere, 
all  was  comfort,  peace  and  love  in  the  doctor's  quiet  dwell- 
ing. 

Under  Marah  Rocke's  administration  the  business  of 


THE  boy's  LOTE. 


201 


the  household  went  on  with  the  regularity  of  clock-work. 
Every  one  felt  the  advantage  of  this  improved  condition. 

The  doctor  often  declared  that  for  his  part  he  could  not 
for  the  life  of  him  think  how  they  had  ever  been  able  to  get 
along  Without  'Mrs.  Eocke  and  Traverse. 

Clara  affirmed  that  however  the  past  might  have  been^ 
the  mother  and  son  were  a  present  and  future  necessity  to 
the  doctor's  comfort  and  happiness. 

The  little  woman  herself  gained  rapidly  both  health  and 
spirits  and  good  looks.  Under  favorable  circumstances^ 
Marah  Eocke^  even  at  thirty-six^  would  have  been  esteem.ed 
a  first-rate  beauty  ;  and  even  now  she  was  pretty,  graceful, 
and  attractive  to  a  degree  that  she  herself  was  far  from 
suspecting. 

Traverse  advanced  rapidly  in  his  studies,  to  the  ardent 
pursuit  of  which  he  was  urged  by  every  generous  motive 
that  could  fire  a  human  bosom  :  affection  for  his  mother, 
whose  condition  he  was  anxious  to  elevate  ;  gratitude  to  his 
patron,  whose  great  kindness  he  wished  to  justify,  and 
admiration  for  Clara,  whose  esteem  he  was  ambitious  to 
secure. 

He  attended  his  patron  in  all  his  professional  visits  ;  for 
the  doctor  said  that  actual  experimental  knowledge  formed 
the  most  important  part  of  a  young  medical  student's  edu- 
cation. 

The  mornings  were  usually  passed  in  reading,  in  the 
library  ;  the  middle  of  the  day  in  attending  the  doctor  in 
his  professional  visits,  and  the  evenings  were  passed  in  the 
drawing-room  with  the  doctor,  Clara,  and  Mrs.  Eocke. 
And  if  the  morning's  occupation  was  the  most  earnest  and 
the  day's  the  most  active,  the  evening's  relaxation  with 
Clara  and  music  and  poetry  was  certainly  the  most  delight- 
ful. In  the  midst  of  all  this  peace  and  prosperity,  a  mal- 
ady was  creeping  upon  tlie  boy's  heart  and  brain  that  in 
his  simplicity  and  inexperience  he  could  neither  under- 
stand nor  conquer. 


202 


THE  boy's  love. 


Why  was  it  that  these  eveoing  fireside  meetirLgs  with  the 
doctor's  lovely  daughter,  once  such  unalloyed  delight,  were 
now  only  a  keenly  pleasing  pain  ?  Why  did  his  face  burn 
and  his  heart  beat  and  his  voice  falter  when  obliged  to  speak 
to  her  ?  Why  could  he  no  longer  talk  of  her  to  his  mother, 
or  write  of  her  to  his  friend  Herbert  Greyson  ?  Above  all, 
why  had  his  favorite  daydream  of  having  his  dear  friends 
Herbert  and  Clara  married  together  grown  so  abhorrent  as 
to  sicken  his  very  soul  ? 

Traverse  himself  could  not  have  answered  these  questions. 
In  his  ignorance  of  life  he  did  not  know  that  all  his  strong, 
ardent,  earnest  nature  was  tending  towards  the  maiden  by  a 
power  of  attraction  seated  in  the  deepest  principles  of  being 
and  of  destiny. 

Glara  in  her  simplicity  did  not  suspect  the  truth;  but 
tried  in  every  innocent  way  to  enliven  the  silent  boy,  and 
said  that  he  worked  too  hard,  and  begged  her  father  not  to 
let  him  study  too  much. 

Whereupon  the  doctor  would  laugh  and  bid  her  not  be 
uneasy  about  Traverse — that  the  boy  was  all  right  and  would 
do  very  well.  Evidently  the  doctor,  with  all  his  knowledge 
of  human  nature,  did  not  perceive  that  his  protegee  was  in 
process  of  forming  an  unadvisable  attachment  for  his  daugh- 
ter and  heiress. 

Mrs.  Rocke,  with  her  woman's  tact  and  mother's  fore- 
thought, saw  all.  She  saw  that  in  the  honest  heart  of  her 
poor  boy  unconsciously  there  was  growing  up  a  strong, 
ardent,  earnest  passion  for  the  lovely  girl  with  whom  he  was 
thrown  in  such  close,  intimate,  daily  association  and  who 
was  certainly  not  indifferent  in  her  feelings  towards  him  ; 
but  whom  he  might  never,  never  hope  to  possess. 

She  saw  this  daily  growing,  and  trembled  for  the  peace 
of  both.  She  wondered  at  the  blindness  of  the  doctor  who 
did;  not  perceive  what  vv^as  so  plain  to  her  own  vision. 
Daily  she  looked  to  see  the  eyes  of  the  doctor  open  and 
some  action  taken  upon  the  circumstances ;  but  they  did 


THE  BOTS  LOVE. 


not  open  to  the  evil  ahead^  for  the  girl  and  boy  !  For 
morning  after  morning  their  hands  would  be  together 
tying  up  the  same  vin^?,  or  clearing  out  the  same  flower 
bed ;  day  after  day  at  tlie  doctor's  orders  Traverse  attended 
Clara  on  her  rides  ;  night  after  night  their  blnshing  faces 
would  be  bent  over  the  same  sketch  book^  chess  board,  or 
music  sheet. 

^'  Oh  !  if  the  doctor  cannot  and  will  not  see,  what  shall 
I  do  ?  what  onght  I  to  do  said  the  conscientious  little 
woman  to  herself,  dreadiug  above  all  things,  and  equally 
for  her  son  and  the  doctor's  daughter,  the  evils  of  an 
unhappy  attachment,  which  she,  with  her  peculiar  tem- 
perament and  experience  believed  to  be  the  worst  of  sor- 
rows, a  misfortune  never  to  be  conquered  or  outlived. 

Yes  !  it  is  even  better  that  we  should  leave  the  house, 
than  that  Traverse  should  become  hopelessly  attached  to 
Clara  ;  or,  worse  than  . all,  that  he  should  repay -the  doctoi-^s 
great  bounty  by  winning  the  heart  of  his  only  daughter/' 
said  Marah  Rocke  to  herself  ;  and  so  "  screwing  her  cour- 
age to  the  sticking  place''  she  took  an  opportunity  one 
morning  early  while  Traverse  and  Clara  were  out  riding,  to 
go  into  the  study  to  speak  to  the  doctor. 

Asaisual  he  looked  up  with  a  smile  to  welcome  her  as 
she  entered  ;  but  her  downcast  eyes  and  serious  face  made 
him  uneasy,  and  he  hastened  to  inquire  if  she  was  not  well, 
or  if  anything  had  happened  to  make  her  anxious,  and  at 
the  same,  time  he  placed  a  chair,  and  made  her  sit  in  it; 

Yes,  I  am  troubled,  Doctor,  about  a  subject  that  I 
scarcely  know  how  to  break  to  you,'^  she  said,  in  cotisider- 
able  embarrassment. 

'^Mrs.  Rocke,  you  know  I  am  your  friend^  anxious -to 
serve  you  !    Trust  in  me,  and  speak  out  I'^ 

Well,  sir,"  said  Marah,  beginning  to  roll  up  the  cor- 
ner of  her  apron,  in  her  embarrassment,  should  not 
presume  to  interfere,  but  yoti  do  not  see  !  gentlemen,  per- 
haps, seldom  do  until  it  is  too  late.'"   She  paused,  and  the 


THE  BOY^S  LOVE. 


good  doctor  tarned  his  head  about,  listening  first  Avith  one 
ear  and  then  witli  the  other,  as  if  he  thought  by  attentive 
hearing  he  might  come  to  understand  her  incomprehensi- 
ble words. 

Miss  Clara  has  the  misfortune  to  be  without  a  mother, 
or  an  aunt,  or  any  lady  relative  " 

'^Oh  !  yes  !  I  know  it  my  dear  madam  ;  but  then  I  am 
sure  you  conscientiously  try  to  fill  the  place  of  a  matronly 
friend  and  adviser  to  my  daughter/'  said  the  doctor,  striv- 
ing after  light. 

Yes,  sir,  and  it  is  in  view  of  my  duties  in  this  relation 
that  I  say — I  and  Traverse  ought  to  go  awayJ^ 

You  and  Traverse  go  away  !  My  good  little  woman 
you  ought  to  be  more  cautious  how  you  shock  a  man  at  my 
time  of  life  !  fifty  is  a  very  apoplectic  age  to  a  full  blooded 
man,  Mrs.  Eocke  !  But  now  that  I  have  got  over  the 
shock,  tell  me  why  you  fancy  that  you  and  Traverse  ought 
to  go  away.'' 

'^Sir,  my  son  is  a  well-meaning  boy  

A  high-spirited,  noble-hearted  lad  !"  put  in  the  doc- 
tor.   "  I  have  never  seen  a  better  V 

^'  But  granting  all  that  to  be,  what  I  hope  and  believe 
it  is — trice,  still  Traverse  Eocke  is  not  a  proper  or  desirable 
daily  associate  for  Miss  Day." 

^'  Why  ?"  curtly  inquired  the  doctor. 

^^If  Miss  Clara's  mother  were  living,  sir,  she  would 
probably  tell  you  that  young  ladies  should  never  associate 
with  any  except  their  equals  of  the  opposite  sex,"  said 
Marah  Eocke. 

Clara's  dear  mother,  were  she  on  earth,  would  under- 
stand and  sympathize  with  me,  and  esteem  your  Traverse 
as  I  do,  Mrs.  Eocke,"  said  the  doctor,  with  moist  eyes  and 
a  tremulous  voice. 

"But  oh,  sir,  exceeding  kind  as  you  are  to  Traverse,  I 
dare  not,  in  duty,  look  on  and  see  things  going  the  way  in 


THE  boy's  love. 


205 


which  they  are,  and  not  speak  and  ask  your  consent  to 
withdraw  Traverse 

*^My  good  little  friend/'  said  the  doctor,  rising  and 
looking  kindly  and  benignnntly  upon  Marah.  My  good 
little  woman,  '  sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof  !' 
Suppose  you  and  I  trust  a  little  in  Divine  Providence,  and 
mind  our  own  business  T' 

But,  sir,  it  seems  to  me  a  part  of  our  business  to  watch 
over  the  young  and  inexperienced,  that  they  fall  into  no 
snare/' 

"And  also  to  treat  them  with  'a  little  wholesome 
neglect '  that  our  over  officiousness  may  plunge  them  into 
none  I^' 

wish  you  would  comprehend  me,  sir 

"  I  do,  and  applaud  your  motives  ;  but  give  yourself  no 
further  trouble  !  leave  the  young  people  to  their  own  honest 
hearts  and  to  Providence.  Clara,  with  all  her  softness,  is  a 
sensible  girl  \  and  as  for  Traverse,  if  he  is  one  to  break  his 
heart  from  an  unhappy  attachment,  I  have  been  mistaken 
in  the  lad,  that  is  all said  the  doctor,  heartily. 

Mrs.  Rocke  sighed,  and  saying — I  deemed  it  ray  duty 
to  speak  to  you,  sir ;  and  having  done  so,  I  have  no  more 
to  say,''  she  slightly  curtsied  and  withdrew. 

"  He  does  not  see  !  his  great  benevolence  blinds  him  ! 
In  his  wish  to  serve  us  he  exposes  Traverse  to  the  most 
dreadful  misfortune — the  misfortune  of  becoming  hopelessly 
attached  to  one  far  above  him  in  station,  whom  he  can  never 
expect  to  possess  !"  said  Marah  Rocke  to  herself,  as  she 
retired  from  the  room. 

"  I  must  speak  to  Traverse  himself,  and  warn  him  against 
this  snare,"  she  said,  as  she  afterwards  ruminated  over  the 
subject. 

And  accordingly  that  evening,  when  she  had  retired  to 
her  chamber  and  heard  Traverse  enter  the  little  adjoining 
room  where  he  slept,  she  called  him  in  and  gave  him  a  seat. 


206 


THE  boy's  love. 


sayi lag  that  slie  must  have  some  serious  conversation  with 
him. 

The  boj  looked  uneasy,  but  took  the  offered  chair  and 
waited  for  his  mother  to  speak. 

/'  Traverse/'  she  said,  ^'  a  change  has  come  over  you 
recently,  that  may  escape  all  other  eyes  but  those  of  your 
mother  ;  she,  Traverse,  cannot  be  blind  to  anything  that 
serio^^sly taffects  hfer  ihoyfs  ^happiness/' ^ 

,:  . ''  ;M(0tll|34  ,i*i^ai^biy:!,kiiow  whatLyx)u^^^  said  the 

youth  in  embarrassment. 

s  ii^(^l^katese|  yfitu  ;al'e  heginmng  tothijiktoo  much  of  Miss 

'^'^  Oh,  mother  !"  exclaimed  the  boy,  while  a  violent 
blush  overspread  and  empurpled  his  face  !  Then  in  a;  little 
while  and  in  faltering  tones  he  inquired— ''  Have  I  betrayed 
in  any:  way>  that  I  do\?" 

;  To  n'o  one  but  to  me.  Traverse,  to  me  whose  anxiety 
foa-iyour  happiness  makes  me  watchful ;  and  now,  dearboy, 
you  must  lis  ten  to  me.  I  know  it  is  very  sweet  to  you,  to 
sit  in  a  dark  corner  and  gaze  on  Clara,  when  no  one,  not 
eveaai  herself,  witnesses  y<Dur  joy,  and  to  lie  awake  and-  think 
and  dream  of  her  when  no  eye  but  that  of  God  looks,  down 
upon  your  heart ;  and  to  build  castles  in  the  air  for  her  and 
fbrryou  ;[all  thisi  know  is  very  sweet :  but.  Traverse,  it  is  a 
sweet  pQison,  fatal  if  indulged  in,  fatal  to  your,  peace  and 
integrity/' 

Oh,  my  mother  !^oh,  my  mother  !  what  are  y^ou  tell- 
ing-nie  !'^;^^ex:cldimied  Traverse,  bitterly. 

'^Unpalatable  truths,  dear  boy,  but  necessary  antidotes 
to^thai  sWefet  poison  of  which  you  have  already  tasted  too 
much/*'  J 

^' What  would  you  have  me  to  do,  my  mother  ^ 
'^•^  ^ Guard  yduTiacts^aiid  words,- and'even?^^o?^^to;  forbear 
t^feok  aty  oi'-^peak  tOy  or  think  of -Clara,  except  Avhen  it  is. 
u^g6?©idabi^oi'    yo^^ '  clo^  regard  her '=  as  ish4  is^(m4  soiar 
beyond  your  sphere  as  to  be  forever  unattainable  V 


THE  boy's  love. 


Oh,  mother,  I  neyer  once  dreamed  of  sjjch  persJiJtt|i)- 

tion  as  to  think  of — of  "   The  youth  paused^  and  a  deep 

blush  again  overspread  his  face. 

I  know  you  have  not  indulged  presumptuous  thoughts 
as  yet,  my  boy,  and  it  is  to  warn  you  against  them,:  while 
yet  your  heart  is  in  some  measure  within  your  own  keepings 
that  I  speak  to  you.  Indulge  your  imagination  in  no  more 
sweet  reveries  about  Miss  Day,  for  the  end  thereof  will  be 
bitter  humiliation  and  disappointment,  Eemember  also 
that  in  so  doing  you  would  indulge  a  sort  of  treachery 
against  your  patron,  who  in  his  great  faith  in  your  integrity 
has  received  you  in  the  bosom  of  his  family,  and  admitted 
you  to  an  almost  brotherly  intimacy  with  his  daughter. 
Honor  his  trust  in  you,  and  treat  his  daughter  with  the 
distant  respect  due  to  a  princess.^'' 

^'I  will,  mother.  It  will  be  hard,  but  I  will  !  Oh,  an 
hour  ago  I  did  not  dream  how  miserable  I  should  be  now  V 
said  Traverse,  in  a  choking  voice. 

^'Because  I  have  pointed  out  to  you  the  gulf  towards 
which  you  were  walking  blindfold 

I  know  it.  I  know  it  now,  mother, said:  Tray ersG,  as 
he  arose  and  pressed  his  mother's  hand  aiid  hurried  to  his 
own  room. 

The  poor  youth  did  his  best  to  follow  oiit  the  line  ©f  eon- 
duct  prescribed  for  him  by  his  mother.  He  devoted  himself 
to  his  studies  and  to  the  active  service  of  his  patron.  :  He 
avoided  Clara  as  much  as  possible  and,  when  obligTd  to  be 
in  her  company,  he  treated  her  with  the  most  respectful 
reserve.  ,  ; 

Clara  saw  and  wondered  at  this  change  of  manner,  ancl 
began  to  cast  about  in  her  own  mind  for  the  probable' cause 
of  his  conduct.  -  . 

"I  am  the  young  mistress  of  the  :housey^^said  Clara  to. 
herself,  and  I  know  I  owe  to  every  inmate  of:  it  consider- 
ation and  oeiirtesj^;^  perhaps  I  may  h^iive  be^n  iiiaeonsciiously 
lacking  in  these  towards  Traverse,  whose  situation  wotiid? 


208 


THE  boy's  love. 


naturally  render  him  very  sensitive  to  neglect.  I  must 
endeavor  to  convince  him  that  none  was  intended. And 
so  resolving,  Clara  redoubled  all  her  efforts  to  make  Tra- 
verse, as  well  as  others,  happy  and  comfortable. 

But  happiness  and  comfort  seemed  for  the  time  to  have 
departed  from  the  youth.  He  saw  her  generous  endeavors 
to  cheer  him,  and  while  adoring  her  amiability,  grew  still 
more  reserved. 

This  pained  the  gentle  girl,  who,  taking  herself  seriously 
to  task,  said  : 

Oh,  I  must  have  deeply  wounded  his  feelings  in  some 
unconscious  way !  and  if  so  how  very  cruel  and  thoughtless 
of  me  !  how  could  I  have  done  it  ?  I  cannot  imagine  ^  but 
I  know  I  shall  not  allow  him  to  continue  unhappy  if  I  can 
prevent  it.    I  will  speak  to  him  about  it.-*^ 

And  then  in  the  candor,  innocence  and  humility  of  her 
soul,  she  followed  him  to  the  window  where  he  stood  in  a 
moody  silence,  and  said,  pleasantly  : 

"Traverse,  we  do  not  seem  to  be  so  good  friends  as 
formerly.  If  I  have  done  anything  to  offend  you,  I  know 
that  you  will  believe  me  when  I  say  that  it  was  quite  unin- 
tentional on  my  part  and  that  I  am  very  sorry  for  it,  and 
hope  you  will  forget  it/' 

"  You,  you.  Miss  Day  !  you  say  anything  to  displease — 
anybody  I  Any  one  become  displeased  with  you  ex- 
claimed the  youth,  in  a  tremulous  enthusiasm  that  shook 
his  voice  and  suffused  his  cheeks. 

^'Then  if  you  are  not  displeased.  Traverse,  what  is  the 
matter,  and  why  do  you  call  me  Miss  Day  instead  of 
Clara  r 

"  Miss  Day,  because  it  is  right  that  I  should.  You  are 
a  young  lady — the  only  daughter  and  heiress  of  Doctor  Day 
of  Willow  Heights,  while  I  am  " 

"  His  friend said  Clara. 

"  The  son  of  his  housekeeper,"  said  Traverse,  walking 
away. 


THE  boy's  love. 


209 


Clara  looked  after  him  in  dismay  for  a  moment,  and 
then  sat  down  and  bent  thoughtfully  over  her  needle-work. 

From  that  day  Traverse  grew  more  deeply  in  love  and 
more  reserved  than  before.  How  could  it  be  otherwise, 
domesticated,  as  he  was,  with  this  lovely  girl,  and  becom- 
ing daily  more  sensible  of  her  beauty,  goodness  and  intelli- 
gence ?  Yet  he  struggled  against  his  inevitable  attachment 
as  a  great  treachery.  Meantime  he  made  rapid  progress  in 
his  medical  studies.  It  was  while  affairs  were  in  this  state 
that  one  morning  the  doctor  entered  the  study  holding  the 
morning  paper  in  his  hand.  Seating  himself  in  his  leathern 
arm-chair,  at  the  table,  he  said  : 

I  see,  my  dear  Traverse,  that  a  full  course  of  lectures  is 
to  be  commenced  at  the  medical  college  in  Washington,  and 
I  think  that  you  are  sufficiently  far  advanced  in  your  studies 
to  attend  them  with  great  advantage — what  say  you 

Oh,  sir  V  said  Traverse,  upon  whom  the  proiDOsition 
had  burst  quite  unexpectedly — ''I  should  indeed  be  de- 
lighted to  go,  if  that  were  possible.''^ 

There  is  no  if  about  it,  my  boy  ;  if  you  wish  to  go  you 
shall  do  so.  I  have  made  up  my  mind  to  give  you  a  pro- 
fessional education,  and  shall  not  stop  half-way.-'^ 

Oh,  sir,  the  obligation — the  overwhelming  obligation 
you  lay  upon  me 

"ISTonsense,  Traverse  !  it  is  only  a  capital  investment  of 
funds  !  If  I  were  a  usurer,  boy,  I  could  not  put  out  money 
to  a  better  advantage  !  You  will  repay  me,  by  and  by,  with 
compound  interest ;  so  just  consider  all  that  I  may  be  able 
to  do  for  you  as  a  loan  to  be  repaid  when  you  shall  have 
achieved  success." 

"  I  am  afraid,  sir,  that  that  time  will  never  " 

'''No  you  are  not  interrupted  the  doctor — ''and  so 
don^t  let  modesty  run  into  hj'pocricy.  Now  put  up  your 
books  and  go  and  tell  your  good  little  mother  to  get  your 
clothes  all  ready  for  you  to  go  to  Washington,  for  you  shall 
start  by  the  next  coslcW 


210 


THE -BO-^'S  LOVE. 


Much  surprise  it  created  in  the  little  household  by  the 
news  that  Traverse  was  going  immediately  to  Washington 
to  attend  the  medical  locfcures.  There  were  but  two  days  to 
prepare  his  wardrobe  for  the  journey.  Mrs.  Rock^  went 
cheerfully  to  work  ;  Clara  lent  her  willing  and  skillful  aid, 
and  at  the  end  of  the  second  day  his  clothes,  in  perfect 
order,  were  all  neatly  packed  in  his  traveling  trunk. 

And  on  the  morning  of  the  third  day  Traverse  took 
leave  of  his  mother  and  Clara,  and  for  the  first  time  left 
home  to  go  out  into  the  great  world.  Doctor  Day  accom- 
panied him  in  the  old  green  gig  aa  far  as  Staunton,  where 
he  took  the  stage. 

As  soon  as  they  had  left  the  house  Marah  Rocke  went 
away  to  her  own  room  to  drop  a  few  natural  tears  over  this 
first  parting  with  her  son.  Very  lonely  and  desolate  the 
mother  felt  as  she  stood  weeping  by  the  window,  and  strain- 
ing her  eyes  to  catch  a  distant  view  of  the  old  green  gig 
that  had  already  rolled  out  of  sight. 

While  she  stood  thus  in  her  loneliness  and  desolation, 
the  door  silently  opened,  a  footstep  softly  crossed  the  floor, 
a  pair  of  arms  was  put  around  her  neck,  and  Clara  Day 
dropped  her  head  upon  the  mother^s  bosom  and  wept 
softly. 

Marah  Rocke  pressed  that  beautiful  form  to  her  breast, 
and  felt  with  dismay  that  the  doctor's  sweet  daughter 
already  returned  her  boy's  silent  love  I 


CAPITOL  AS  MOTHEE. 


211 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 
capitola's  mother. 

"A  woman  like  a  dew-drop  she  was  purer  than  the  purest, 
And  her  noble  heart  the  noblest,  yes,  and  her  sure  faith  the 
surest ; 

And  her  eyes.  w€j<e<.-.d^^  ,'^d  humid  like  the  depth  in  depth  of 
lustre 

Hid- i'  the- harebell, _  while  her  tresses^  sunnier  than  the  wild 

grape's  cluster,  .  , 

(xushed  in  faven-tinted  plenty _^'3own'' her  cheeks'  ro5e-tint_ed' 

marble : 

Then  her  voice's  music — call  it  the  well's  bubbling,  the  birds' - 
warbte."^  -  — Browning. 

'^Cap  r 

What  the  blazes  is  the  mss^tter  with  yon 

What  the  Mazes  9  You  bettei'  say  what  the  dn&t  and 
asEes  !  Fm  Tiered  to  d<?ath  !  -  rm  blue  as  iiidis^o  !  There 
neyei?  im^  such  atrnm;oi4^piaee  as  this,  or  such  a  rum  old 
uncle  as  you  l^^ 

Gap  t -how  often  ha.ve  I  told  you  to  leave  of^  this  Bow- 
ery hoy  talk  !  bah  i'"^said  Old  Hurricane. 

Well,  it  (5  ram -  then  !    Notiiing  ever  ha-ppens  here  I 
The  siienoe  deafens  me  I  the  piMty  takes  away  my  appe- 
tite !  the  safety  makes  me  low  ^' 
"  Hum  /  jou  are  likB  the  Bowery  boys  in  times  of 
peaee^- "  spoiling,  for  a  fight. 

""^^Z  Ye^  I  am:/  just  dexjonarposing  above  ground  for  want 
of  having  my  blood  stirred,  and  I  wish  I  was  back  in  the 
Boweiy  !:  Something' was  always  happening  f/zef-^  /  One 
day  a  fire,  nexiidaj  a  fight,  another  da^  a  fire  and  a  fight 
together.-"  ^         :  - 


212 


capitola's  mother. 


Umpli  !  and  you  to  run  with  fclie  engine  \" 
Don^t  talk  about  it,  uncle  !  It  makes  me  home  sick  ! 
— every  day  something  glorious  to  stir  one's  blood  !  Here 
nothing  ever  happens,  hardly !  It  has  been  three  days 
since  I  caught  Black  Donald  ;  ten  days  since  you  blowed 
up  the  whole  household  !  Oh  !  I  wish  the  barns  would 
catch  on  fire  !  I  wish  thieves  would  break  in  and  steal ! 
I  wish  Demon's  Run  would  only  rise  to  a  flood  and  play  t1ie 
demon  for  once  !  Oh — yah — oo  !"  said  Cap,  opening  her 
moutli  with  a  yawn,  wide  enough  to  threaten  the  disloca- 
tion of  her  jaws. 

Capitola,''  said  the  old  man,  very  gravely,  I  am 
getting  seriously  uneasy  about  you.  I  know  I  am  a  rough 
old  soldier,  quite  unfit  to  educate  a  young  girl,  and  that 

Mrs.  Condiment  can^fc  manage  you,  and  Fll  consult  Mr, 

Goodwin  he  concluded,  getting  up  and  putting  on  his 
hat,  and  walking  out  of  the  breakfast  room,  where  this 
conversation  had  taken  place. 

Cap  laughed  to  herself — "  I  hope  it  is  not  a  sin  !  I 
know  I  should  die  of  the  blues  if  I  couldn^t  give  vent  to 
my  feelings — and  tease  uncle  V 

Capitola  had  scarcely  exaggerated  her  condition.  The 
monotony  of  her  life  affected  her  spirits  ;  the  very  absence 
of  the  necessity  of  thinking  and  caring  for  herself,  left  a 
dull  void  in  her  heart  and  brain  ;  and  as  the  winter  waned, 
the  annual  spring  fever  of  lassitude  and  dejection  to  which 
mercurial  organizations  like  her  own  are  subject,  tended  to 
increase  the  malady  that  Mrs.  Condiment  termed  a  low- 
ness  of  spirits." 

At  his  wit's  end,  from  the  combined  feelings  of  his 
responsibility  and  his  helplessness  in  his  ward's  case.  Old 
Hurricane  went  and  laid  the  matter  before  the  Eev.  Mr. 
Goodwin. 

Having  reached  the  minister's  house,  and  found  him 
alone  and  disengaged  in  the  library.  Old  Hurricane  first 
bound  him  over  to  strict  secresy,  and  then  ''made  a  clean 


213 


breast  of  it  r  roll  h:  ::  ^'apiroln  had  been  br-uglit 

up^  and  imJer  v,-lia:    lie  had  found  her  I 

The  honest  coimtrv  clergyman  vru?  s!.o:hed  beyond  all 
immediate  power  of  recovering  himself — so  shocked^  in  fact^ 
that  Old  Hurricane,  fearing  he  had  gone  too  far,  hastened 
to  say  : 

•'•'But  mind,  on  my  truth  as  a  man,  my  honor  as  a  sol- 
dier, and  my  faich  as  a  Christain,  I  declare  that  that  wild, 
reckless,  desolare  child  has  passed  unscathed  through  the 
terrible  ordeal  of  destitution,  poverty  and  exposure  I  She 
hus,  sir  !  She  is  as  innocent  as  the  most  daintily  sheltered 
young  heiress  in  the  county  I  she  is,  sir  I  and  I'd  cut  oS  the 
tongue  and  ears  of  any  man  that  said  otherwise.'" 

"  I  do  not  say  otherwise,  my  friend  I  but  I  say  that  she 
has  suffered  a  frightful  series  of  perils." 

•'^  She  has  come  out  of  them  safe,  sir  !  I  know  it  by  a 
thousand  signs  I — what  I  fear  for  her  is  the  future!  I 
can't  manage  her  I  She  won't  obey  me,  except  when  she 
likes  !  she  has  never  been  taught  obedience  or  been  accus- 
tomed to  subordination,  and  don't  understand  either  I  She 
rides  and  walks  out  alone  in  spite  of  all  I  can  do  or  say  I 
If  she  were  a  boy,  I'd  thrash  her  I  But  what  can  I  do  with 
a  girl     said  Old  Hurricane,  in  despair. 

^•'  Lock  her  up  in  her  chamber  until  she  is  brought  to 
reason,''-'  suggested  the  minister. 

'•'  Demmy,  she'd  jump  out  of  the  window  and  break  her 
neck  !  or  hang  herself  in  her  garters  !  or  starve  herself  to 
death  !  you  don't  know  what  an  untamable  thing  she  is  I 
Some  birds,  if  caged,  beat  themselves  to  death  against  the 
bars  of  their  prison  I  she  is  just  such  a  wild  bird  as  that  I" 

••'Humph  !  it  is  a  difficult  case  to  manage;  but  you 
should  not  shrink  from  responsibility  ;  you  should  be  firm 
with  her.'' 

"  That's  just  what  I  canH  be  with  the  witch,  confound 
her  1  she  is  such  a  wag,  such  a  droU,  such  a  mimic ;  dis- 


214 


CAPIT0LA^8  MOTHER. 


obeys  me  in  such,  a  mocking,  cajoling,  affectionate  way  !  I 
could  not  give  her  pain  if  her  soul  depended  on  it." 

^''Then  you  should  talk  to  her  !  try  moral  suasion." 

"  Yes,  if  I  could  only  get  her  to  be  serious  long  enough 
to  listen  to  me  !  But  you  see  Cap  isn't  sentimental  I  and 
if  /  try  to  be,  she  laughs  in  my  face  V 

"But  then  is  she  so  insensible  to  all  the  benefits  you 
have  conferred  upon  her? — will  not  gratitude  influence 
her  r 

"  Yes  ;  so  far  as  repaying  me  with  a  genuine  affection, 
fervent  caresses  and  careful  attentions  to  my  little  comforts 
can  go  !  but  Gap  evidently  thinks  that  the  restriction  of  her 
liberty  is  too  heavy  a  price  to  pay  for  protection  and  support ! 
The  little  rogue  !  Think  of  her  actually  threatening,  in 
her  good  humored  way,  to  cite  me  before  the  nearest  •justice 
to  show  cause  why  I  detain  her  in  my  house 

"Well,  you  could  easily  do  that,  I  suppose,  and  she 
could  no  longer  oppose  your  authority." 

"!N"o,  that  is  just  what  1  coiddnH  do  !—l  couldn't  show^ 
any  legal  right  to  detain  Capitola." 

Humph,  that  complicates  the  case  very  much." 

"  and  much  more  than  you  think  !  for  I  wish  to 

keep  Capitola  until  she  is  of  Legal  age.  I  do  not  wish  that 
she  should  fall  into  the  hands  of  her  perfidous  guardian 
until  I  shall  be  able  to  bring  legal  proof  of  his  perfidy." 

"  Then  it  appears  that  this  girl  has  received  foul  play 
from  her  friends  ?" 

"  Foul  play  !  I  should  think  so  !  Gabriel  Le  Noir  has 
very  nearly  put  his  neck  into  a  halter." 

"  Gabriel  Le  Noir  !  Colonel  Le  Mr  !  Our  neighbor  !" 
exclaimed  the  minister. 

"  Exactly  so  Parson  I  you  have  given  me  your  word 
as  a  Christian  minister  to  be  silent  forever  concerning  this 
interview  or  until  I  give  you  leave  to  speak  of  it." 

"Yes,  Major,  and  I  repeat  my  promise ;  but  indeed,  siiv^ 
you  astound  me  I"  / 


CAPITOL  A 'S  MOTHER. 


215 


'^Listen!  and  let  astouisliment  rise  to  consternation. 
I  will  tell  you  who  Capitola  is.  You,  sir,  have  been  in  this 
neighborhood  only  ten  years,  and  consequently  you  know 
G-abriel  Le  iNoir  only  as  the  proprietor  of  Hidden  House,  a 
vridower  with  one  grown  son  

 And  as  a  gentleman  of  irreproachable  reputation, 

in  good  standing  both  in  the  church  and  in  the  county. 

Exactly.  A  man  that  pays  his  pew-rent,  gives  good 
dinners,  and  takes  oif  his  hat  to  women  and  clergymen. 
Well,  sir,  this  gentleman  of  irreproachable  manners  and 
morals — this  citizen  of  consideration  in  the  community — 
this  member  in  good  standing  with  the  Church  ha-s  qualified 
himself  for  a  twenty  years^  residence  in  the  penitentiary, 
even  if  not  for  the  exaltation  of  a  hangman^s  halter.''^ 

^'  Sir,  I  am  inexpressibly  shocked  to  hear  you  say  so  ; 
and  I  must  still  believe  that  there  is  some  great  mistake."" 
Wait  until  I  tell  you  :  I,  Ira  TTarfield,  have  known 
G-abriel  Le  Xoir  as  a  villain  for  the  last  eighteen  years.  I 
tell  you  so  without  scruple,  and  hold  m3'self  ready  to  main- 
tain my  words  in  field  or  forum,  by  s"^'ord  or  law.  Well, 
having  known  him  so  long,  for  such  a  knave,  I  was  in  no 
manner  surprised  to  discover  some  six  months  ago  that  he 
was  also  a  criminal,  and  only  needed  exposure  to  become  a 
felon.^^ 

"  Sir,  sir,  this  is  strong  language 
I  am  willing  to  back  it  with  ^  life,  liberty,  and  sacred 
honor,^  as  the  Declaration  of  Independence  has  it.  Listen  : 
Some  sixteen  years  ago,  before  you  came  to  take  this  pas- 
toral charge,  the  Hidden  House  was  occupied  by  old  Victor 
Le  Xoir,  the  father  of  Eugene  the  heir,  and  of  Gabriel  the 
present  usurper.  The  old  man  died,  leaving  a  will  to  this 
effect  :  the  landed  estate,  including  the  coal  and  iron 
mines,  the  Hidden  House,  and  all  the  negroes,  stock,  fur- 
niture and  other  personal  property  upon  the  premises,  to 
h^  eldest  son  Eugene,  with  this  proviso ;  that  if  Eugene 
should  die  without  issue,  the  landed  estate,  house^,  negroes, 


216 


capitola's  mother. 


etc.,  should  descend  to  his  younger  brother  Gabriel.  To 
Gabriel  he  left  his  bank-stock  and  blessing/^ 
^'^An  equitable  will,"  observed  the  minister. 

Yes  ;  but  hear.  At  the  time  of  his  father^s  death 
Eugene  was  traveling  in  Europe.  On  receiving  the  news 
he  immediately  returned  home,  bringing  with  him  a  lovely 
young  creature,  a  mere  child,  that  he  presented  to  his 
astounded  neighbors  as  Madame  Eugene  Le  Noir.  I 
declare  to  you  there  was  one  simultaneous  outcry  of  shame, 
that  he  should  have  trapped  into  matrimony  a  creature  so 
infantile — for  she  was  scarcely  fourteen  years  of  age."' 
'^It  was  indeed  highly  improper,"  said  the  minister. 

So  thought  all  the  neighborhood  ;  but  when  they  found 
out  how  it  happened,  disapproval  was  changed  to  commen- 
dation. She  was  the  daughter  of  a  French  patriot.  Her 
father  and  mother  had  both  perished  on  the  scaffold  in  the 
sacred  cause  of  liberty  ;  she  was  thrown  helpless,  friendless, 
and  penniless  upon  the  cold  charity  of  the  world  ;  Provi- 
dence cast  her  in  the  way  of  our  sensitive  and  enthusiastic 
young  traveler.  He  pitied  her  ;  he .  loved  her ;  and  was 
casting  about  in  his  own  mind  how  he  could  help  without 
compromising  her,  when  the  news  of  his  father's  illness 
summoned  him  home.  Then,  seeing  no  better  way  of  pro- 
tecting her,  after  a  little  hesitation  on  account  of  her  tender 
years,  he  married  her  and  brought  her  with  him." 

Good  deeds,  we  know,  must  be  rewarded  in  heaven, 
since  on  earth  they  are  so  often  punished." 

He  did  not  long  enjoy  his  bride.  She  was  just  the 
most  beautiful  creature  that  ever  was  seen — with  a  promise 
of  still  more  glorious  beauty  in  riper  years.  I  have  seen 
handsome  women  and  jDretty  woman,  but  Madame  Eugene 
Le  Noir  was  the  only  perfectly  beautiful  woman  I  ever  saw 
in  my  long  life.  My  own  aged  eyes  seemed '  enriched '  only 
to  look  at  her.  She  adored  Eugene,  too — any  one  could  see 
.  that.  At  first  she  spoke  English  in  '  broken  music  but 
soon  her  accent  became  as  perfect  as  if  she  had  been  native- 


CAPITOL  A.' S  MOTHER. 


217 


born — how  could  it  have  been  otherwise  when  her  teacher 
and  inspirer  was  Love  ?  She  won  all  hearts  with  her  love- 
liness ! — Humph  !  hear  me,  an  old  fool — worse,  an  Old 
Hurricane,  betrayed  into  discourse  of  love  and  beauty, 
merely  by  the  remembrance  of  Madame  Eugene  Le  Noir  ! 
Ah,  bright,  exotic  flower  !  she  did  not  bloom  long.  The 
bride  had  scarcely  settled  down  into  the  wife  when  one  night 
Eugene  Le  Noir  did  not  come  home  as  usual.  The  next 
day  his  dead  body,  with  a  bullet  in  his  brain,  was  found  in 
the  woods  around  the  Hidden  House.  The  murderer  was 
never  discovered.  Gabriel  Le  ISToir  came  in  haste  from  the 
military  post  where  he  had  been  stationed.  Madame  Eugene 
was  never  seen  abroad  after  the  death  of  her  husband.  It 
was  reported  that  she  had  lost  her  reason — a  consequence 
that  surprised  no  one.  Eugene  having  died  without  issue, 
and  his  young  widow  being  mad,  Gabriel,  by  the  terms  of 
his  father's  will,  stepped  at  once  into  the  full  possession  of 
the  whole  property. 

Something  of  all  this  I  have  heard  before/'  said  the 
minister. 

Very  likely ;  for  these  facts  and  falsehoods  were  the 
common  property  of  the  neighborhood.  But  what  you  have 
not  heard  before,  and  what  is  not  known  to  any  now  living, 
except  the  criminals,  the  victims  and  myself,  is,  that  three 
months  after  the  death  of  her  husband,  Madame  Eugene  Le 
Noir  gave  birth  to  twins — one  living,  one  dead.  The  dead 
child  was  privately  buried ;  the  living  one,  together  with 
the  nurse,  that  was  the  sole  witness  of  the  birth,  was 
abducted.'' 

"  Great  heaven,  can  this  be  true !"  exclaimed  the 
minister,  shocked  beyond  all  power  of  self-control. 

True  as  gospel  !  I  have  proof  enough  to  carry  con- 
viction to  any  honest  breast — to  satisfy  any  caviller — except 
a  court  of  justice.  You  shall  hear.  You  remember  the 
dying  woman  whom  you  dragged  me  out  in  the  snow-storm 
to  see — blame  you  1'* 


218 


CAPITOL a's  mother. 


"Yes." 

"  She  was  the  abducted  nurse,  escaped  and  retnrned  !  It 
was  t©  make  a  deposition  to  the  facts  I  am  about  to  relate, 
that  she  sent  you  to  fetch  me/^  said  Old  Hurricane  ;  and 
with  that  he  commenced  and  related  the  whole  dark  his- 
tory of  crime  comprised  in  the  mirse^s  dying  deposition. 
They  examined  the  instrument  together,  and  Old  Hurricane 
again  related,  in  brief,  the  incidents  of  his  hurried  journey 
to  E"ew  York  ;  his  meeting  and  identifying  Capitola,  and 
bringing  her  home  in  safety  to  his  house. 

And  thus, said  the  old  man,  ^'^you  perceive  that  this 
child  whose  birth  was  feloniously  concealed,  and  who  was 
cast  away  to  perish  among  the  wretched  beggars,  thieves 
and  street- walkers  of  New  York,  is  really  the  only  living 
child  of  the  late  Eugene  Le  Noir,  and  the  sole  inheritrix  of 
the  Hidden  House,  with  its  vast  acres  of  fields,  forests,  iron 
and  coal-mines,  water-powers,  steam-mills,  furnaces  and 
foundries — wealth  that  I  would  not  undertake  to  estimate 
within  a  million  of  dollars  !— all  of  which  is  now  held  and 
enjoyed  by  that  usurping  villain,  Gabriel  Le  Noir  !" 

But, said  the  minister,  gravely,  you  have,  of  course, 
commenced  proceedings  on  the  part  of  your  protegee. 

'^Listen.  I  will  tell  you  what  I  have  done.  When  I 
first  brought  Cap  home,  I  was  moved  not  only  by  the  desire 
of  wreaking  vengeance  upon  a  most  atrocious  miscreant 
who  had  done  me  an  irreparable  injury,  but  also  by  sympa- 
thy for  the  little  witcli  who  had  won  my  heart  at  first 
sight.  Therefore  you  may  judge  I  lost  no  time  in  prepar- 
ing to  strike  a  double  blow  which  should  ruin  my  own 
mortal  enemy,  and  reinstate  my  favorite  in  her  rights. 
With  this  view,  immediately  on  my  return  home  I  sent  for 
Breefe,  my  confidential  attorney,  and  laid  the  whole  mat- 
ter before  him." 

''And  he-  " 

"  To  my  dismay  he  told  me  that  though  the  case  was 
clear  enough,  it  was  not  sufiQciently  strong,  in  a  legal  point 


CAPITOL  A's  mother. 


219 


of  view,  to  justify  ns  in  bringing  suit ;  for  that  the  dying 
deposition  of  the  mulatto  nurse  could  not  be  received  as 
evidence  in  our  courts." 

"You  knew  that  before,  sir,  I  presume.^' 

"  Of  course  I  did  ;  but  I  tliought  it  was  a  lawyer's  busi- 
ness to  get  over  such  diflB.culties  ;  and  1  assure  you,  par- 
son, that  I  flew  into  a  passion,  and  cursed  court  and  law 
^nd  lawyers  to  my  heart's  content  !  I  would  have  quar- 
reled with  old  Breefe,  then  and  there,  only  Breefe  woiiH 
get  excited.  He  very  cooly  advised  me  to  keep  the  matter 
close,  and  my  eye  open,  and  gather  all  the  corroborative 
testimony  I  could  find,  and  that  in  the  meantime  he  would 
reflect  upon  the  best  manner  of  proceeding." 

I  think.  Major  Warfield,  that  his  counsel  was  wise 
and  disinterested.  But  tell  me,  sir,  of  the  girl's  mother  ! 
Is  it  not  astonishing  ;  in  fact,  is  it  not  perfectly  incompre- 
hensible, that  so  lovely  a  woman  as  you  have  represented 
her  to  be,  should  have  consented  to  the  concealment,  if  not 
to  the  destruction  of  her  own  legitimate  offspring." 

"  Sir,  to  me  it  is  not  incomprehensible  at  all !  She  was 
at  once  an  orphan  and  a  widow ;  a  stranger  in  a  strange 
land  ;  a  poor,  desolate,  broken-hearted  child,  in  the  power 
of  the  cunningest  and  most  unscrupulous  villain  that  the 
Lord  ever  suffered  to  live  !  I  wonder  at  nothing  that  he 
jnight  have  deceived  or  frightened  her  into  doing  !" 

"  Heaven  forgive  us  !  Have  I  known  that  man  for  ten 
years  to  hear  this  account  of  him  at  last  !  But  tell  me,  sir, 
have  you  really  any  true  idea  of  what  has  been  the  fate  of 
the  poor  young  widow  ?" 

"i^o  — not  the  slightest.  Immediately  after  his 
brother's  funeral,  Gabriel  Le  Noir  gave  out  that  Madame 
Eugene  had  lost  her  reason  through  excessive  grief,,  soon 
after  which  he  took  her  with  him  to  the  North,  and  upon 
his  return  alone,  reported  that  he  had  left  her  in  a  cele- 
brated Lunatic  Asylum.  The  story  was  probable  enough, 
and  received  universal  belief.    Only  now  I  do  not  credit 


220 


oapitola's  mother. 


it,  and  do  not  know  whether  the  widow  be  living  or  dead  ; 
or  if  living,  whether  she  be  mad  or  sane  ;  if  dead,  whether 
she  came  to  her  end  by  fair  means  or  foul!" 

Merciful  Heaven,  sir  !  you  do  not  mean  to  say  " 

"Yes,  I  do  mean  to  say  ;  and  if  you  would  like  to  know 
what  is  on  my  private  mind  I'll  tell  you.  I  believe  that 
Madame  Eugene  Le  ISToir  has  been  treacherously  made 
away  with  by  the  same  infernal  demon  at  Whose  instigation 
her  husband  was  murdered  and  her  child  stolen/' 

The  minister  seemed  crushed  beneath  the  overwhelming 
weight  of  this  communication  ;  he  passed  his  hand  over  his 
brow,  and  thence  down  his  face,  and  sighed  deeply  ;  for  a 
few  moments  he  seemed  unable  to  reply,  and  when  he  spoke 
it  was  only  to  say  : 

"In  this  matter.  Major  Warfield,  I  can  offer  you  no 
counsel  better  than  that  of  your  confidential  attorney — 
follow  the  light  that  you  have,  until  it  lead  you  to  the  full 
elucidation  of  this  affair,  and  may  Heaven  grant  that  you 
may  find  Colonel  Le  Noir  less  guilty  than  you  apprehend/' 

"  Parson  ! — humbug  !  When  charity  drivels  it  ought  to 
be  turned  off  by  justice  !  I  will  follow  the  little  light  I 
have  !  I  suspect  from  the  description,  that  the  wretch  who 
at  Le  Noir's  instance  carried  off  the  nurse  and  child,  was 
no  other  than  the  notorious  Black  Donald.  I  have  offered 
an  additional  thousand  dollars  for  his  apprehension,  and  if 
he  is  taken  he  will  be  condemned  to  death,  make  a  last 
dying  speech  and  confession,  and  give  up  his  accom- 
plices, the  accomplished  Colonel  Le  Noir  among  the  rest  V 

"  If  the  latter  really  was  an  accomplice,  there  could  be 
no  better  way  of  discovering  the  fact  than  to  bring  this 
Black  Donald  to  justice ;  but  I  greatly  fear  that  there  is 
little  hope  of  that." 

"  Aye,  but  there  is !    Listen  !  the   long  impunity 
enjoyed  by  this  desperado  has  made  him  daring  to  fatuity  ! 
Why,  I  was  within  a  hair's  breadth  of  capturing  him 
a  few  days  ago." 


capitola's  motheb. 


221 


Ha  !  is  it  possible  ?"  asked  the  minister,  with  a  look 
of  surprise  and  interest. 

Aye,  was  I  !  And  you  shall  hear  all  about  it  said 
Old  Hurricane.  And  upon  that  he  commenced  and  told 
the  minister  the  adventure  of  Capitola  with  Black  Donald 
at  Hurricane  Hall. 

The  minister  was  amazed,  yet  could  not  forbear  to 
say  : 

It  seems  to  me,  however,  that  it  was  Capitola  who  was 
within  a  hair^s  breadth  of  capturing  this  notorious  desper- 
ado V 

Pooh  !  she  clung  to  him  like  the  reckless  lunatic  that 
she  is  ;  but  lord,  he  would  have  carried  her  off  on  his  back 
if  it  had  not  been  for  me.^' 

The  minister  smiled  a  little  to  himself  and  then  said  : 
"  This  protegee  of  yours  is  a  veiy  remarkable  girl,  as 
interesting  to  me  in  her  character,  as  she  is  in  her  history  ; 
her  very  spirit,  courage  and  insubordination  make  her  sin- 
gularly hard  to  manage  and  apt  to  go  astray.  TVith  your 
permission  I  will  make  her  acquaintance,  with  the  view  of 
seeing  what  good  I  can  do  her." 

Pray,  do  so,  for  then  you  will  be  better  able  to  counsel 
me  how  to  manage  the  capricious  little  witch,  who  if  I 
attempt  to  check  her  in  her  wild  and  dangerous  freedom  of 
action,  tells  me  plainly  that  liberty  is  too  precious  a  thing 
to  be  exchanged  for  food  and  clothing,  and  that  rather  than 
live  in  bondage  she  would  throw  herself  upon  the  protection 
of  the  court  ! — if  she  does  that  the  game  is  up  !  Lo  Xoir, 
against  whom  we  can  as  yet  prove  nothing,  would  claim  her 
as  his  niece  and  ward,  and  get  her  into  his  power  for  the 
purpose  of  making  away  with  her,  as  he  did  with  her  father 
and  mother." 

Oh  !  for  heaven's  sake,  sir,  no  more  of  that  until  we 
have  further  evidence,"  said  the  minister,  uneasily,  adding 
— ^'I  will  see  your  very  interesting  protegee  to-morrow." 


222 


cap's  teicks  and  perils. 


Do  !  do  !  to-morrow,  to  day,  this  hour,  anytime  said 
Major  Warfield,  as  he  cordially  took  leave  of  the  pastor. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

cap's  TRICKS  AND  PERILS. 

"  I'll  be  merry  and  free, 
I'll  be  sad  for  naebody ; 
Naebody  cares  for  me, 
I  cares  for  fiaebody."  -r-BnRirs. 

The  next  day, :  according  to  agreement,  the  pastor  came 
and  dined  at  Hurricane  Hall,  DuriUg  tbe  dinner  he  had 
ample  opiwrtunity  of  observing  Oapitola. 

In  the  afternoon  Major  Warfield  took  an  oeeasion  of 
leaving  him  alone  with  the  conturnacions  young  object  of 
his  visit. 

Cap,  with  her  quick  perceptions,  instantly  discovered 
the  drift  and  purpose  of  this  action,  which  immediately 
provoked  all  the  mischievous  propensities  of  her  elfish 
spirit. 

"  Uncle  means  that  I  shall  be  lectured  by  the  good  par- 
son :  if  he  preaches  to  me,  wonH  I  humor  him  '  to  the  top 
of  his  bent  V  — *that^s  all  I^"*  was  her  secret  resolution/ as 
she  sat  demurely,  with  pursed^up  lips,  bending  over  her 
needle-work. 

The  honest  and  well-mieaning  old  country  tclergyman 
liitched  his  chair  a  little  nearer  to  the  perverse  young  rebel, 
and,  ;f/w^erf?/y--f0r  he  was;ha]f  'afraid  of  his  questionable 
subject,— entered  into  conversation  with  her. 

To  his  surprise  and  pleasure,  Oapitola  replied  with  the 
decorum  of  a  young  nun. 


CAP'S  TKICKS  AND  PERILS. 


223 


Encouraged  by  her  manner,  the  good  minister  went  on 
to  say  how  much  interested  he  felt  in  her  welfare  ;  how 
deeply  he  compassionated  her  lot  in  never  hating  possessed 
the  advantage  of  a  mother^B  teaching  ;  how  anliotis  he  was 
by  his  counsels  to  make  up  to  her  as  much  as  possible  such 
a  deficiency. 

Here  Oapitola  put  up  both  her  harids  and  dropped  her 
face  upon  them. 

Still  farther  encouraged  by  this  exhibition  of  feeling, 
Mr.  Goodwin  went  on.  He  told  her  that  it  behooved  lier, 
who  was  a  motherless  girl,  to  be  even  more  circumspect 
than  others,  lest  through  very  ignorance  she  might  err; 
and  in  particular  he  warned  her  against  riding  or  walking 
out  alone,  or  indulging  in  any  freedom  of  manners  that 
might  draw  upon  her  the  animadversions  of  their  very 
strict  community. 

Oh,  sir,  I  know  I  have  been  very  indiscreet,  and  I  am 
very  miserable     said  Oapitola,  in  a  heart-broken  voice. 

My  dear  child,  your  errors  have  hitherto  been  those 
of  ignorance  only,  and  I  am  very  much  pleased  to  find  how 
much  your  good  uncle  has  been  mistaken  ;  and  how  ready 
you  are  to  do  strictly  right  when  the  way  is  pointed  out  V 
said  the  minister,  pleased  to  his  honest  heart's  core  that  he 
had  made  this  deep  impression. 

A  heavy  sigh  burst  from  the  bosom  of  Oapitola. 

"  What  is  the  matter,  my  dear  child  V'  he  said,  kindly. 
Oh,  sir,  if  I  had  only  known  you  before  T  exclaimed 
Oapitola,  bitterly. 

Why,  my  dear  ? — I  can  do  you  just  as  much  good  now/' 

"Oh,  no,  sir  !  it  is  too  late  !  His  too  lateT' 

"  It  is  never  too  late  to  do  well.'' 
Oh,  yes,  sir,  it  is  for  me  !    Oh,  how  I  wish  I  had  Had 
jour  good  counsel  before  !  it  would  have  saved  me  from  so 
much  trouble  !" 

"  My  dear  child,  you  make  me  seriously  uneasy  I  do 


224: 


cap's  tricks  and  perils. 


explain  yourself, said  the  old  pastor,  drawing  his  chair 
closer  to  hers,  and  trying  to  get  a  look  at  the  distressed  lit- 
tle face  that  was  bowed  down  upon  her  hands,  and  vailed 
with  her  hair — Do  tell  me,  my  dear,  what  is  the  mat- 
ter r 

"  Oh,  sir,  Fm  afraid  to  tell  you  !  you'd  hate  and 
despise  me  !  you'd  never  speak  to  me  again  I"  said  Capitola, 
keeping  her  face  concealed. 

My  dear  child,"  said  the  minister,  very  gravely  and 
sorrowfully,  '^whatever  your  offense  has  been,  and  vou 
make  me  fear  that  it  has  been  a  very  serious  one,  I  invite 
you  to  confide  it  to  me,  and  having  done  so  I  promise  how- 
ever I  may  mourn  the  sin,  not  to  Miate,'  or  ^despise,'  or 
forsake  the  sinner.    Come,  confide  in  me." 

'^Oh,  sir,  I  daren't !  indeed  I  daren't  !"  moaned  Capi- 
tola. 

''My  poor  girl  !"  said  the  minister,  ''if  I  am  to  do  you 
any  good,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  you  make  me  your 
confidant." 

"Oh,  sir,  I  have  been  a  very  wdcked  girl  !  I  daren't 
tell  you  ho20  wicked  I  have  been  !" 

"  Does  your  good  uncle  know  or  suspect  thfs  wrong-do- 
ing of  yours  ?" 

"  IJncle  !  Oh,  no,  sir  !  He'd  turn  me  out  of  doors. 
He'd  kill  me  !  Indeed  he  would,  sir.  Please  don't  tell 
him  !" 

"  You  forget,  my  child,  that  /  do  not  know  the  nature 
of  your  offence,"  said  the  mfnistor,  in  a  state  of  painful 
anxiety. 

"  But  I'm  going  to  inform  you,  sir  !  and,  oh,  I  hope 
you  will  take  pity  on  me  and  tell  me  what  to  do  ;  for  though 
I  dread  to  speak,  I  can't  keep  it  on  my  conscience  any 
longer,  it  is  such  a  heavy  weight  on  my  breast  !" 

"  Sin  always  is,  my  poor  girl  !"  said  the  pastor,  with  a 
deep  groan. 


cap's  tricks  and  perils. 


225 


But,  sii%  you  know  I  had  no  mother,  as  you  said  your- 
self.'' 

I  know  it,  my  poor  girl,  and  am  ready  to  make  every 
allowance,^'  said  the  old  pastor,  with  a  deep  sigh,  not  know- 
ing what  next  to  expect. 

*^And — and — I  hope  you  will  forgive  me,  sir  !  but — 
lut  he  was  so  handsome  I coiildnH  help  lihing  him!'' 

Miss  Black  V  cried  the  horrified  pastor. 

There  !  I  lc7ieio  you\l  just  go  and  bite  my  head  off  the 
very  first  thing  !  Oh  dear,  what  shall  I  do  sobbed  Capi- 
tola. 

The  good  pastor,  who  had  started  to  his  feet,  remained 
gazing  upon  her  in  a  panic  of  consternation,  murmuring  to 
himself  : 

Good  angels  !  I  am  fated  to  hear  more  great  sins  than 
if  I  were  a  prison  chaplain  V  Then  going  up  to  the  sobbing 
delinquent,  he  said: 

Unhappy  girl!  who  is  this  person  of  whom  you 

speak 

^'H — h — h — him  that  I  met  when  I  went  walking  in 
the  woods  V'  sobbed  Capitola. 

Heaven  of  Heavens  !  this  is  worse  than  my  very  worst 
fears  ! — Wretched  girl  !  tell  me  instantly  the  name  of  this 
base  deceiver  !" 

He — he — he's  no  base  deceiver  ;  he — he — he's  very 
amiable  and  good-looking  ;  and — and — and  that's  why  I 
liked  him  so  much  ;  it  was  all  my  fault,  not  his,  poor,  dear 
fellow  !" 

"His  name  ?''  sternly  demanded  the  pastor. 
"  Alf— Alf— Alfred,'^  wept  Capitola. 
''Alfred  whom?'' 

''Alfred  Blen—Blen— Blenheim  !" 
"  Miserable  girl  !  how  often  have  you  met  this  miscreant 
in  the  forest  ?" 

"  I — don't — know  V  sobbed  Capitola. 
"  Where  is  the  wretch  to  be  found  now  ?** 


226 


CAP  S  TRICKS  AND  PERILS. 


Oil,  please  don't  liurt  him,  sir  !  Please  don'fc !  He — 
iie — he's  hid  in  the  closet  in  my  room." 

A  groan  that  seemed  to  have  rent  his  heart  in  twain 
burst  from  the  minister,  as  he  repeated  in  deepest  horror  : 

^'  In  your  room  !  (Well !  I  must  prevent  murder  being 
done  !)  Did  you  not  know,  you  poor  child,  the  danger  you 
ran  by  giving  this  young  man  private  interviews ;  and, 
above  all,  admitting  him  to  your  apartment  ?  Wretched 
girl !  better  you'd  never  been  born  than  ever  so  to  have 
received  a  man  !' 

Man  ?  man  9  man  ? — Fd  like  to  know  what  you  mean 
by  that,  Mr.  Goodwin  !"  exclaimed  Capitola,  lifting  her 
eyes  flashing  through  their  tears. 

I  mean  the  man  to  wiiom  you  have  given  these  private 
interviews.'' 

1! — /  give  private  interviews  to  a  man  !  Take  care 
what  you  say,  Mr.  Goodwin  !  I  Avon't  be  insulted  !  no  not 
even  by  you  /" 

Then  if  you  are  not  talking  of  a  man,  who  or  what  in 
the  world  are  you  talking  about  ?"  exclaimed  the  amazed 
minister. 

Why,  Alfred,  the  Blenheim  poodle  that  strayed  away 
from  some  of  the  neighbor's  houses,  and  that  I  found  in  the 
woods  and  brought  home  and  hid  in  my  closet,  for  fear  he 
would  be  inquired  after,  or  uncle  would  find  it  out,  and 
make  me  give  him  u]) !    I  knew  it  was  wrong,  but  then  he 

was  so  pretty  " 

Before  Capitola  had  finished  her  speech,  Mr.  Goodwin 
had  seized  his  hat,  and  rushed  out  of  the  house  in  indigna- 
tion, jiearly  overturning  Old  Hurricane,  whom  he  met  on 
the  lawn,  and  to  whom  he  said  : 

^'  Thrash  that  girl  as  if  she  were  a  bad  boy — for  she 
richly  deserves  it  !" 

There  !  what  did  I  say  !  now  you  see  what  a  time  I 
have  with  her  !  she  makes  me  sweat,  I  tell  you  !"  said  Old 
Hurricane,  in  triumph. 


CAP'S  TRICKS  AND  PERILS. 


227 


"  Oh,  oh,  oh,"  groaned  the  sorely  tried  minister. 
What  is  it  now  ?"  inquired  Old  Hurricane. 

The  pastor  took  the  major^s  arm,  and  while  the}^  walked 
up  and  down  before  the  house,  told  how  he  had  been  '  sold ' 
by  Capitola,  ending  by  saying  : 

"  You  will  have  to  take  her  firmly  in  hand.-" 

''VU  do  it,"  said  Old  Hurricane.       Til  do  it.'' 

The  pastor  then  called  for  his  horse,  and  resisting  all 
his  host's  entreaties  to  stay  to  tea,  took  his  departure. 

Major  Warfield  re-entered  the  house,  resolving  to  say 
nothing  to  Capitola  for  the  present,  but  to  seize  the  very 
first  opportunity  of  punishing  her  for  this  flippancy. 

The  village  fair  had  commenced  on  Monday.  It  had 
been  arranged  that  all  Major  Warfield's  family  should  go, 
though  not  all  upon  the  same  day.  It  was  proposed  that 
on  Thursday,  when  the  festival  shonld  be  at  its  height. 
Major  Warfield,  Capitola  and  the  house-servants  should  go. 
And  on  Saturday,  Mrs.  Condiment,  Mr.  Ezy  and  the  farm- 
servants  should  have  a  holiday  for  the  same  purpose. 

Therefore  upon  Thursday  morning  all  the  household 
bestirred  themselves  at  an  unusually  early  hour,  and 
appeared  before  breakfast  in  their  best  Sunday's  suit. 

Capitola  came  down  to  breakfast  in  a  rich,  blue  silk 
carriage  dress,  looking  so  fresh,  blooming  and  joyous,  that 
it  went  to  the  old  man's  heart  to  disappoint  her  ;  yet  Old 
Hurricane  resolved,  as  the  pastor  had  told  him  to  be  firm," 
and  once  for  all,  by  inflicting  punishment  to  bring  her  to  a 
sense  of  her  errors. 

"  There,  you  need  not  trouble  yourself  to  get  ready, 
Capitola,  you  shall  not  go  to  the  fair  with  us  !"  he  said,  as 
Cap,  took  her  seat. 

*^  Sir  !"  exclaimed  the  girl,  in  surprise. 

"  Oh,  yes !  you  may  stare  !  but  I'm  in  earnest !  you 
have  behaved  very  badly  !  you  have  deeply  offended  our 
pastor  !  you  have  no  reverence,  no  docility,  no  propriety, 
and  I  mean  to  bring  you  to  a  sense  of  your  position  by 


228 


cap's  tricks  and  peeils. 


depriving  you  of  some  of  your  indulgences  !  and  in  a  word, 
to  begin,  I  say  you  shall  not  go  to  the  fair  to-day  V 

You  mean,  sir,  that  I  shall  not  go  with  you,  although 
you  promised  that  I  should, said  Cap,  coolly. 

I  mean  you  shall  not  go  at  all,  demmy  V 

Fd  like  to  know  who^ll  prevent  me,^^  said  Cap. 
"  /  will.  Miss  Vixen !     Demmy,  V\\  not  be  set  at 

naught   by  a  beggar  !  Mrs.    Condiment  !  leave  the 

room,  mum,  and  don^t  be  sitting  there  listening  to  every 
word  I  have  to  say  to  my  ward.  Wool,  be  off  with  your- 
self, sir  !  what  do  you  stand  there  gaping  and  staring  for  ? 

— be  off,  or  ^'  the  old  man  looked  around  for  a  missile, 

but  before  he  found  one  the  room  was  evacuated  except  by 
himself  and  Capitola. 

Now,  minion  !"  he  began  as  soon  as  he  found  himself 
alone  with  the  little  rebel : 

^^I  did  not  choose  to  mortify  you  before  the  servants, 
but  once  for  all,  I  will  have  you  to  understand  that  I 
intend  to  be  obeyed  V  And  Old  Hurricane  gathered  his 
brows  like  a  gathering  storm." 

Sir,  if  you  were  really  my  uncle,  or  my  father,  or  my 
legal  guardian,  I  should  have  no  choice  but  to  obey  you ; 
but  the  same  fate  that  made  me  desolate  made  me  free!  a 
freedom  that  I  would  not  exchange  for  any  gilded  slavery  V* 
said  Cap,  gaily. 

Pish  !  tush  !  pshaw  !  I  say  I  will  have  no  more  of  this 
nonsense  !  I  say  I  will  be  obeyed,"  cried  Old  Hurricane, 
striking  his  cane  down  upon  the  floor — '*and  in  proof  of  it 
I  order  you  immediately  to  go  and  take  off  that  gala  dress 
and  settle  yourself  down  to  your  studies  for  the  day." 

"  Uncle,  I  will  obey  you  as  far  as  taking  off  this  dress 
goes,  for  since  you  won^t  give  me  a  seat  in  your  carriage  I 
shall  have  to  put  on  my  habit  and  ride  Gyp,"  said  Cap, 
good  humoredly. 

What  !  !  do  you  dare  to  hint  that  you  have  the 
slightest  idea  of  going  to  the  fair  against  my  will  ?" 


cap's  TEICK5  AND  PEEILS. 


229 


'^Yes^  sir/'  said  Cap,  gaiiv — sorry  it's  against  your 
uill^  but  cau't  help  it  I  not  used  to  being  ordered  about  and 
don't  know  how  to  submit,  and  so  I'm  going  I''' 

'^Tngrateful  girl  I  actually  meditating  disobedience  on 
the  horse  I  gave  her!" 

'•'Easy  noTT,  uncle — fair  and  easy  I  I  did  not  sell  my 
free  will  for  Gyp  I  I  wouldn't  for  a  thousand  Gyps  !  He 
was  a  free  gift  !''  said  Capitola,  beginning  an  impatient  lit- 
tle dance  about  the  floor. 

Come  here  to  me  I  Come — here — to — me  '.'■'  exclaimed 
the  old  man,  peremptorily,  rapping  his  cane  down  upon  the 
floor  with  every  syllable. 

Capitola  danced  up  to  him,  and  stood,  half  smiling,  and 
fingering  and  arranging  the  lace  of  her  under-sleeves. 

Listen  to  me,  you  witch  I  Do  you  intend  to  obey  me 
or  XOT  I'" 

^'SOT  I"  said  Cap,  good-humoredly,  adjusting  her  cameo 
bracelet,  and  holding  up  her  arm  to  see  its  effect. 

"  You  will  not  I  Then  demmy.  Miss,  I  shall  know  how 
to  make  you  !*"  thundered  Old  Hurricane,  bringing  the 
point  of  his  stick  down  with  a  sharp  rap. 

Eh      criud  Capitola,  looking  up  in  astonishment. 

''Yes,  Miss,  that's  what  I  said  1  ^iake  you 

"  I  shonld  like  to  know  how,"  said  Cap,  rtturning  to 
her  cool  good-humor. 

*'You  would,  wo  til  d  you?  Demmy,  I'll  tell  you  I  I 
have  broken  haughtier  spirits  than  yotirs  in  my  life.  Wottld 
you  know  how 

"Yes,'*'  said  Capitola,  indifferently,  still  busied  with  her 
bracelets. 

Stoop,  and  I  will  whisper  the  mystery." 
Capitola  bent  her  graceful  head  to  hear. 
''  With  the  rod hissed  Old  Htirricane,  maliciously. 
Capitola  sprang  up  as  if  she  had  been  shot,  wave  after 
wave  of  blood  tiding  up  in  burning  blushes  oyer  neck,  face 


230 


cap's  tricks  and  perils. 


and  forehead,  then  turning  abruptly,  she  walked  off  tc  the 
window. 

Old  Hurricane,  terrified  at  the  effect  of  his  rude,  lash 
words,  stood  excommunicating  himself  for  having  been  pro- 
voked to  use  them,  nor  was  the  next  aspect  of  Capitola  one 
calculated  to  re-assure  his  perturbed  feelings. 

She  turned  around  ;  her  face  wiis  as  wliite  and  still  as 
marble,  except  her  glittering  eyes,  that,  half  sheathed  under 
their  long  lashes,  flashed  like  stilettoes;  raising  her  head 
and  keeping  her  eyes  fixed  upon  him,  with  the  slow  and 
gliding  motion,  and  the  deep  and  measured  voice  that 
scarcely  seemed  to  belong  to  a  denizen  of  earth,  she 
approached  and  stood  before  him,  and  spoke  these  words  : 

Uncle,  in  all  the  sorrows,  shames  and  sufferings  of  my 
destitute  childhood,  no  one  ever  dishonored  my  person  with 
a  blow  ;  and  if  ever  you  should  have  the  misfortune  to  for- 
get your  manhood  so  far  as  to  strike  me  "  she  paused, 

drew  her  breath  hard  between  her  set  teeth,  grew  a  shade 
whiter,  while  her  dark  eyes  dilated  until  a  white  ring 
flamed  around  the  iris. 

Oh,  you  perilous  witch,  what  then  V  cried  Old  Hur- 
icane,  in  dismay. 

Why  then,"  said  Capitola,  speaking  in  a  low,  deep, 
and  measured  tone,  and  keeping  her  gaze  fixed  upon  his 
astonished  face,  "  the — first — time — I — should — find — you 
— asleep — I — would — take — a — razor — and  " 

Cut  my  throat  !  I  feel  you  would  you  terrible  terma- 
gant V  shuddered  Old  Hurricane. 

"  Shave  your  heard  off  smicic,  smacJc,  smoove!"  said 
Cap,  bounding  off  and  laughing  merrily  as  she  ran  out  of 
the  room. 

In  an  iustant  she  came  bounding  back,  saying: 
''Uncle!  I  will  meet  you  at  the  fair!  au  revoir !  au 
revoir  and  kissing  her  hand,  she  danced  away  and  ran 
off  to  her  room. 

She'll  kill  me  !  I  know  she  will !    If  she  don't  in  one 


cap's  teicks  and  perils. 


way  she  will  in  another  !  Whew  !  I'm  perspiring  at  every 
pore.  Wool !  Wool,  you  scoundrel  V  exclaimed  the  old 
man,  jerking  the  bell-rope  as  if  he  would  have  broken  the 
wires. 

Yes,  sir  !  here  I  am,  marse  V  exclaimed  that  worthy, 
hastening  in,  in  a  state  of  perturbation,  for  he  dreaded 
another  storm. 

"  Wool !  go  down  to  the  stables  and  tell  every  man 
there,  that  if  any  of  them  allows  a  horse  to  be  brought 
out  for  the  use  of  Miss  Black  to-day,  I'll  flay  them  alive, 
and  break  every  bone  in  their  skins  !    Away  with  you  !" 

Yes,  sir  I"  cried  the  shocked  and  terrified  Wool,  hur- 
rying off  to  convey  his  panic  to  the  stables. 

Old  Hurricane's  carriage  being  ready,  he  entered  it  and 
drove  off  for  the  fair. 

Next,  the  house-servants  (with  the  exception  of  Pitapat, 
who  was  commanded  to  remain  behind  and  wait  upon  hei 
mistress)  went  off  in  a  wagon. 

When  they  were  all  gone,  Capitola  dressed  herself  in 
her  riding-habit,  and  sent  Pitapat  down  to  the  stables  to 
order  one  of  the  grooms  to  saddle  Gyp  and  bring  him  up 
for  her. 

JS^ow  when  the  little  maid  delivered  this  message,  the 
unfortunate  grooms  were  filled  with  dismay — they  feared 
their  t3Tannical  little  mistress  almost  as  much  as  their 
despotic  old  master,  who  in  the  next  change  of  his  capri- 
cious temper  might  punch  all  their  heads  for  crossing  the 
will  of  his  favorite,  even  though  in  doing  so  they  had  fol- 
lowed his  directions.  An  immediate  private  consultation 
was  the  consequence,  and  the  result  was  that  the  head 
groom  came  to  Pitapat,  told  her  that  he  was  sorry,  but  that 
Miss  Black's  pony  had  fallen  lame. 

The  little  maid  went  back  with  this  answer. 

When  she  was  gone  the  head  groom,  calling  to  his 
fellows,  said  : 

*^That  young  gal  ain't  a-gwine  to  be  fooled  either  by 


CAP'S  TEICKS  AND  PERILS  J 


ole  marse  or  we  /  She^ll  be  down  here  herself  nex' minute 
and  have  the  horse  walked  out.  Now  we  must  have  him 
lame  a  little.  Light  a  match  here,  Jem,  and  1^11  burn  him 
foot." 

This  was  immediately  done.  And  sure  enough,  while 
poor  Gyp  was  still  smarting  with  his  burn,  Capitola  came, 
holding  up  her  riding  train  and  hurrying  to  the  scene,  and 
asking  indignantly  : 

Who  dares  to  say  tliat  my  horse  is  lame  ?  Bring  him 
out  here  this  instant  tliat  I  may  see  him." 

The  groom  immediately  took  poor  Gyp  and  led  him 
limping  to  the  presence  of  his  mistress. 

At  the  sight  Capitola  was  almost  ready  to  cry  with  grief 
and  indignation. 

He  was  not  lame  last  eyening.  It  must  have  been  your 
carelessness,  you  good-for-nothing  set  of  loungers  !  And  if 
he  is  not  well  enough  to  take  me  to  the  fair  to-morrow,  at 
least,  1^11  have  the  whole  set  of  you  lamed  for  life  !"  she 
exclaimed,  angrily,  as  she  turned  off  and  went  up  to  the 
house — not  caring  so  much,  after  all,  for  her  own  personal 
disappointment  as  for  Old  Hurricane's  triumph. 

Cap's  ill-humor  did  not  last  long.  She  soon  exchanged 
her  riding-habit  for  a  morning  wrapper,  and  took  her 
needle-work  and  sat  down  to  sew  by  the  side  of  Mrs.  Condi- 
ment in  the  housekeeper's  room. 

The  day  passed  as  usual,  only  that  just  after  sunset  Mrs. 
Condiment,  as  a  matter  of  precaution,  wert  all  over  the 
house  securing  windows  and  doors  before  nightfall.  Then, 
after  an  early  tea,  Mrs.  Condiment,  Capitola  and  the  little 
maid,  Pitapat,  gathered  around  the  bright  little  wood  fire, 
that  the  chilly  Spring  evening  made  necessary  in  the  house- 
keeper's room.  Mrs.  Condiment  was  knitting,  Capitola 
stitching  a  bosom  for  the  Major's  shirts,  and  Pitapat  wind- 
ing yarn  from  a  reel. 

The  conversation  of  the  three  females  left  alone  in  the 


cap's  tkicks  and  perils. 


233 


old  house  naturally  turned  upon  subjects  of  fear — ghosts, 
witches  aud  robbers. 

Mrs.  Condiment  had  a  formidable  collection  of  accred- 
ited stories  of  apparitions,  warnings,  dreams,  omens,  etc., 
all  true  as  gospel.  There  was  a  haunted  house,  she  said,  in 
their  ovrn  neighborhood — the  Hidden  House.  It  was  well 
authenticated  that  ever  since  the  mysterious  murder  of 
Eugene  Le  Noir,  unaccountable  sights  and  sounds  had  been 
seen  and  heard  in  and  about  the  dwelling.  A  traveler,  a 
brother  officer  of  Colonel  Le  Noir,  had  slept  there  once,  and 
'  in  the  dead  waste  and  middle  of  the  night'  had  ii  A  his 
curtains  drawn  by  a  lady,  pale  and  passing  fair,  dressed  in 
white,  with  flowing  hair,  who,  as  soon  as  he  attempted  to 
speak  to  her,  fled.  And  it  was  well  known  that  there  was 
no  lady  about  the  premises. 

Another  time  old  Mr.  Ezy  himself,  when  out  after  coons, 
and  coming  through  the  woods  near  the  house,  had  been 
attracted  by  seeing  a  window  near  the  roof  lighted  up  by  a 
strange  blue  flame  ;  drawing  near,  he  saw  within  the  lighted 
room  a  female  clothed  in  white,  passing  and  repassing  the 
window. 

Another  time,  when  old  Major  Warfield  was  out  with  his 
dogs,  the  chase  led  him  past  the  haunted  house,  and  as  he 
swept  by  he  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  pale,  wan,  sorrowful 
female  face  pressed  against  the  window-pane  of  an  upper 
room,  which  vanished  in  an  instant. 

But  might  not  that  have  been  some  young  woman 
staying  at  the  house     asked  Capitola. 

**No,  my  child,  it  is  well  ascertained  that  since  the 
murder  of  Eugene  Le  !N"oir  and  the  disappearance  of  his 
lovely  young  widow,  no  white  female  has  crossed  the  thres- 
hold of  that  fatal  house,''  said  Mrs.  Condiment. 

Disappearance  did  you  say  ?  Can  a  lady  of  condition 
disappear  from  a  neighborhood  and  no  inquiry  be  made  for 
her  r 

No,  my  dear,  there  was  inquiry,  and  it  was  answere(^ 


234 


cap's  tricks  and  perils. 


plausibly  that  Madame  Eugene  was  insane  and  sent  off  to  a 
lunatic  asylum  ;  but  there  are  those  who  believe  that  the 
lovely  lady  was  privately  made  way  Avith/\ whispered  Mrs. 
Condiment. 

"  How  dread  ful  !  I  did  not  think  such  thin(j;s  happened 
in  a  quiet  country  neighborhood.  Something  like  that 
occurred,  indeed,  in  New  York,  within  my  own  recollection, 
however, said  CapitoLi — who  straightway  commenced  and 
related  tlie  story  of  Mary  Rogers,  and  all  other  stories  of 
terror  that  memory  supplied  her  with. 

A  ••  for  poor  little  Pitapat,  she  did  not  presume  to  enter 
into  the  conversation,  but  with  her  ball  of  yarn  suspended 
in  her  hand,  her  eyes  started  until  they  threatened  to  burst 
from  their  sockets,  and  her  chin  dropped  until  her  mouth 
gaped  wide  open,  she  sat  and  swallowed  every  word,  listen- 
ing with  a  thousand-audience  power. 

By  the  time  they  had  frightened  themselves  pretty  thor- 
oughly the  clock  struck  eleven,  and  they  thought  it  was 
time  to  retire. 

Will  you  be  afraid,  Mrs.  Condiment      asked  Capi- 

tola. 

Well,  my  dear,  if  I  am,  I  must  try  to  trust  in  the 
Lord  and  overcome  it,  since  it  is  no  use  to  be  afraid.  I 
have  fastened  up  the  house  well  and  I  have  brought  in 
Growler,  the  bull-dog,  to  sleep  on  the  mat  outside  of  my 
bedroom  door,  so  I  shall  say  my  prayers  and  try  to  go  to 
sleep.  I  dare  say  there  is  no  danger,  only  it  seems  lone- 
some like  for  us  three  women  to  be  left  in  this  big  house 
by  ourselves."^ 

Yes,^^  said  Capitola  ;  ^''but  as  yow  say  there  is  no  dan- 
ger ;  and  as  for  me,  if  it  will  give  you  any  comfort  or  cour- 
age to  hear  me  say  it,  I  am  not  the  least  afraid,  although  I 
sleep  in  such  a  remote  room,  and  have  no  one  but  Patty, 
who,  having  no  more  heart  than  a  hare,  is  not  near  such  a 
powerful  protector  as  Growler/' 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


235 


And;,  bidding  her  little  maid  to  take  up  the  night-lamp, 
Ciipitola  wished  Mrs.  Condiment  good-night,  and  left  the 
housekeeper's  room. 


CHAPTER  XXVL 

THE  PERIL  AKD  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 

"  Who  that  had  seen  her  form  so  light 
For  swiftness  onlj^  turned, 
Would  e'er  have  thought  in  a  thing  so  slight, 
Such  a  fiery  spirit  burned  ?" 

Very  dreary  looked  the  dark  and  silent  passages  as  they 
went  on  towards  Capitola's  distant  chamber. 

When  at  last  they  reached  it,  however,  and  opened  the 
door,  the  cheerful  scene  within  quite  reanimated  Capitola's 
spirits.  The  care  of  her  little  maid  had  prepared  a  blazing 
wood  fire  that  lighted  up  the  whole  room  brightly  glowing 
on  the  crimson  curtains  of  the  bed  and  the  crimson  hang- 
ings of  the  windows  opposite,  and  flashing  upon  the  high 
mirror  between  them. 

Capitola  having  secured  her  room  in  every  way,  stood 
before  her  dressing  bureau  and  began  to  take  off  her  collar, 
under-sleeves,  and  other  small  articles  of  dress.  As  she 
stood  there,  her  mirror,  brilliantly  lighted  up  by  both  lamp 
and  fire,  reflected  clearly  the  opposite  bed,  with  its  warm 
crimson  curtains,  white  coverlet,  and  little  Pitapat  flitti^ig 
from  post  to  post,  as  she  tied  back  the  curtains  or  smoothed 
the  sheets. 

Capitola  stood  unclasping  her  bracelets,  and  smiling  to 
herself  at  the  reflected  picture — the  comfortable  nest  in 
which  she  was  so  soon  to  curl  herself  up  in  sleep.  While 


236  THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLIJCK  O^*  CAP. 

she  was  smiling  thus,  she  tilted  the  mirror  downwards  a 
little  for  her  convenience,  and  looking  into  it  again  : 

Horror  !  what  did  she  see  reflected  there  ?  Under  the 
bed  a  pair  of  glaring  eyes,  watching  her  from  the  shadows. 

A  sick  sensation  of  fainting  came  over  her  ;  but  master- 
ing the  weakness,  she  tilted  the  glass  a  little  lower,  until  it 
reflected  all  the  floor,  and  looked  again. 

Horrors  on  horrors  !  there  were  three  stalwart  ruffians 
armed  to  the  teeth,  lurking  in  ambush  under  her  bed. 

The  deadly  inclination  to  swoon  returned  upon  her  ; 
but  with  a  heroic  effort  she  controlled  her  fears,  and  forced 
herself  to  look. 

Yes,  there  they  were  !  It  was  no  dream,  no  illusion,  no 
nightmare — there  they  were,  three  powerful  desperadoes, 
armed  with  bowie  knives  and  revolvers,  the  nearest  one 
crouching  low,  and  watching  her  with  his  wolfish  eyes,  that 
shone  like  phosphorus  in  the  dark. 

What  should  she  do  ?  The  danger  was  extreme,  the 
necessity  of  immediate  action  imminent,  the  need  of  per- 
fect self-control  absolute.  There  was  Pitapat  flitting  about 
the  bed  in  momentary  danger  of  looking  under  it.  If  she 
should,  their  lives  would  not  be  worth  an  instant's  pur- 
chase. Their  throats  would  be  cut  before  they  should  utter 
a  second  scream.  It  was  necessary,  therefore,  to  call  Pita- 
pat away  from  the  bed,  where  her  presence  was  as  danger- 
ous as  the  proximity  of  a  lighted  candle  to  an  open  pow- 
der-barrel. 

But  how  to  trust  her  voice  to  do  this  ?  A  single  qua- 
ver in^  her  tones  would  betray  her  consciousness  of  their 
presence  to  the  lurking  robbers  and  prove  instantly  fatal. 

Happily,  Capitola's  pride  in  her  own  courage  came  to 
her  aid. 

Is  it  possible,^'  she  said  to  herself,  that  after  all,  I 
am  a  coward  and  have  not  even  nerve  and  will  enough  to 
command  the  tones  of  my  own  voice.  Fie  on  it !  Cow- 
ardice is  worse  than  death.'* 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


237 


And  summoning  all  her  resolution  slie  spoke  up, 
glibly  : 

Patty,  come  here  and  unhook  my  dress/' 

Yes^  Miss,  I  will  just  as  soon  as  I  get  your  slippers 
from  unnerneaf  of  de  bed/' 

I  don't  want  them  !  come  here  this  minute  and  unhook 
my  dress,  I  can't  breathe  !  Plague  take  these  country  dress- 
makers, they  think  the  tighter  they  screw  one  up  the  more 
fashionable  they  make  one  appear !  Come,  I  say,  and  set 
my  lungs  at  liberty. " 

"  Yes,  Miss,  in  one  minute,"  said  Pitapat ;  and  to  Capi- 
tola's  unspeakable  horror  the  little  maid  stooped  down  and 
felt  along  under  the  side  of  the  bed,  from  the  head  post  to 
the  foot  post,  until  she  put  her  hands  upon  the  slippers  and 
brought  them  forth.  Providentially,  the  poor  little  wretch 
had  not  for  an  instant  put  her  stupid  head  under  the  bed, 
or  used  her  eyes  in  the  search  ! — that  was  all  that  saved 
them  from  instant  massacre. 

"  Here  dey  is,  Caterpillar  !  1  knows  how  yer  foots  mus' 
be  as  much  out  of  breaf  wid  yer  tight  gaiters  as  your  waise 
is  long  of  yer  tight  dress." 

Unhook  me  !"  said  Capitola,  tilting  up  the  glass  lest 
the  child  should  see  what  horrors  were  reflected  there. 

The  little  maid  began  to  obey,  and  Capitola  tried  to  think 
of  some  plan  to  escape  their  imminent  danger.  To  obey 
the  natural  impulse — to  fl}'  from  the  room  would  be  instantly 
fatal !  they  would  be  followed  and  murdered  in  the  hall, 
before  they  could  possibly  give  the  alarm.  And  to  whom 
could  she  give  the  alarm  when  there  was  not  another  crea- 
ture in  the  house  except  Mrs.  Condiment  ? 

While  she  was  turning  these  things  over  in  her  mind  it 
occurred  to  her  that  man's  extremity  is  God's  opportu- 
nity." Sending  up  a  silent  prayer  to  heaven  for  help  at 
need,  she  suddenly  thought  of  a  plan — it  was  full  of  diffi- 
culty, uncertainty  and  peril,  affording  not  one  chance  in 
fifty  of  success,  yet  the  only  possible  plan  of  escape.    It  was 


238 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


to  find  some  plausible  pretext  for  leaving  the  room  without 
exciting  suspicion,  which  would  be  fatal.  Controlling  her 
tremors,  and  speaking  cheerfully,  she  asked  : 

Patty,  do  you  know  whether  there  were  any  of  those 
nice  quince  tarts  left  from  dinner  ?" 

"  Lor  !  yes.  Miss,  a  heap  on  ^em.  Ole  Mis'  put  'em 
away  in  her  cubbed/' 

Was  there  any  baked  custard  left  ?" 
^'Lors,  yes.  Miss  Caterpillar  !  dere  was  nobody  but  we- 
dens  three,  and  think  /  could  eat  up  all  as  was  left 

I  don't  know  but  you  might.  Well,  is  there  any  pear- 
sauce  ?" 

Yes,  Miss,  a  big  bowl  full." 

Well,  I  wish  you'd  go  down  and  bring  me  up  a  tart,  a 
cup  of  custard  and  a  spoonful  of  pear-sauce.  Sitting  up  so 
late  makes  me  as  hungry  as  a  wolf.  Come,  Patty,  go 
along." 

'Deed,  Miss,  Ise  'fraid  !"  whimpered  the  little  maid. 

"  Afraid  of  what,  you  goose  ?" 

"  'Fraid  of  meeting  a  ghose  in  the  dark  places." 
Pooh  !  you  can  take  the  light  with  you.    /can  stay 
here  in  the  dark  well  enough." 

''^Deed,  Miss,  I'sc  'fraid  !" 

''What  with  the  candle,  you  blockhead  !" 

"  Lors,  Miss,  de  candle  wouldn't  be  no  'tection.  I'd  see 
de  glioses  all  de  plainer  wid  de  candle  !" 

''  What  a  provoking,  stupid  dolt  !  you  Ve  a  proper  maid  ! 
afraid  to  do  my  bidding  !  afraid  of  ghosts,  forsooth.  Well ! 
I  suppose  I  shall  have  to  go  myself ;  plague  on  you  for  an 
aggravating  thing !  There  !  take  the  candle  and  come 
along  !"  said  Capitola,  in  a  tone  of  impatience. 

Pitapat  took  up  the  light,  and  stood  ready  to  accom- 
pany her  mistress.  Capitola  humming  a  gay  tune,  went  to 
the  door  and  unlocked  and  opened  it. 

She  wished  to  withdraw  the  key,  so  as  to  lock  it  on  the 
other  side  and  secure  the  robbers,  and  insure  the  safety  of 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


239 


lier  oYy'u  retreat ;  but  to  do  this  without  betraying  her  pur- 
pose and  destroying  her  own  life  seemed  next  to  impossible. 
Still  singing  gaily  she  ran  over  in  her  mind  with  the  quick- 
ness of  lightning  every  possible  means  by  which  she  might 
withdraw  the  key  silently,  or  without  attracting  the  atten- 
tion of  the  watching  robbers.  It  is  difficult  to  say  what 
she  would  have  done,  had  not  chance  instantly  favored 
her. 

At  the  same  moment  that  she  unlocked  and  opened  the 
door,  and  held  the  key  in  her  hand,  fearful  of  withdrawing 
it,  Pitapat,  who  was  hurrying  after  her  with  the  candle, 
tripped  and  fell  against  a  chair,  with  a  great  noise,  under 
cover  of  which  Capitola  drew  forth  the  key. 

Scolding  and  pushing  Pitapat  out  before  her,  she  closed 
the  door  with  a  bang  ;  with  the  quickness  of  lightning  she 
slipped  the  key  in  the  key-hole,  and  turned  the  lock — cov- 
ering the  whole  with  loud  and  angry  railing  against  poor 
Pitapat,  who  silently  wondered  at  this  unhappy  change  in 
her  mistress's  temper,  but  ascribed  it  all  to  hunger,  mutter- 
ing to  herself  : 

'^'Ise  offen  hern  tell  how  people's  cross  when  dere 
empty  !  Lors  knows  ef  I  don't  fetch  up  a  whole  heaj)  o' 
wittles  ebery  night  for  Miss  Caterpillar  from  dis  time  f orred, 
so  I  will.  Meed  me  I" 

So  they  went  on  through  the  long  passages  and  empty 
rooms,  Capitola  carefully  locking  every  door  behind  her, 
until  she  got  down  stairs  into  the  great  hall. 

Now,  Miss  Caterpillar,  ef  you  wants  quint  tart,  an^ 
pear  sass,  and  baked  cusset,  an'  all  dem,  you'll  jest  has  to 
go  an'  wake  Ole  Mis'  up  ;  case  dey's  in  her  cubbud  an'  she's 
got  the  keys,"  said  Pitapat. 

Never  mind,  Patty,  you  follow  me,"  said  Capitola, 
going  to  the  front  hall-door^  and  beginning  to  unlock  it 
and  take  down  the  bars  and  withdraw  the  bolts. 

Lors,  Miss,  what  is  yer  adoin'  of  ?"  asked  the  little 


240 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


maid,  in  wonder,  as  Capitola  opened  the  door  and  looked 
out. 

I  am  going  out  a  little  way,  and  you  must  go  with 

me.'' 

"'Deed,  Miss,  Tse  'fraid.'' 

"  Very  well,  then  ;  stay  here  in  the  dark  until  I  come 
back,  bat  don't  go  to  my  room,  because  you  might  meet  a 
ghost  on  the  way  !" 

Oh,  Miss,  I  daren't  stay  here — indeed  I  daren't  !" 
"  Then  you'll  have  to  come  along  with  me,  and  so  no 
more  about  it,"  said  Capitola,  sharply,  as  she  passed  out 
from  the  door.    The  poor  little  maid  followed,  bemoaning 
the  fate  that  bound  her  to  so  capricious  a  mistress. 

Capitola  drew  the  key  from  the  hall-door  and  locked  it 
on  the  outside.  Then  clasping  her  hands  and  raising  her 
eyes  to  Heaven,  she  fervently  ejaculated  : 

Thank  God  !  ok^  thank  God  that  we  are  safe  !" 
Lors,  Miss,  was  we  in  danger  ?" 
"  We  are  not  now,  at  any  rate.  Pitapat.    Come  alon^," 
said  Capitola,  hurrying  across  the  lawn  towards  the  open 
fields. 

Oh,  my  goodness.  Miss,  where  is  yer  agoin'  of  ? — don't 
less  run  so  fur  from  home  dis  lonesome,  wicked,  onlawful 
hour  o'  de  night,"  whimpered  the  distressed  little  darkie, 
fearing  that  her  mistress  was  certainly  crazed. 

Now,  then,  what  are  you  afraid  of  ?"  asked  Capitola, 
seeing  her  hold  back. 

Lors,  Miss,  you  knows — everybody  knows — Brack 
Dunnel  I" 

"  Patty,  come  close,  listen  to  me  ;  don't  scream — Black 
Donald  and  his  men  are  up  there  at  the  house,  in  my  cham- 
ber, under  the  bed,"  whispered  Capitola. 

Pitapat  could  not  scream,  for,  though  her  mouth  was 
wide  open,  her  breath  was  quite  gone.  Shivering  with  fear, 
she  kept  close  to  her  mistress's  heels,  as  Capitola  scampered 
over  the  fields. 


THE  PERIL   AXD  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


24:1 


A  run  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile  brought  lliem  to  the  edge 
of  the  woods^.  where,  in  its  little  garden,  stood  the  overseer's 
house. 

Capitola  opened  the  gate,  hurried  through  the  little  front 
yard,  and  rapped  loudly  at  the  door. 

This  startled  the  house  dog  into  furious  harking,  and 
brought  old  Mr.  Ezy,  with  his  night-capped  head,  to  the 
window  to  see  what  was  the  matter. 

It  is  L  Capitola,  Mr.  Ezy — Black  Donald  and  his  men 
are  lurking  up  at  the  hcaise,"  said  our  young  heroine,  com- 
mencing in  an  eager  and  hurried  voice,  and  giving  the  over- 
seer an  account  of  the  manner  in  which  she  had  discovered 
the  presence  of  the  robbers  and  left  the  room  withotit  alarm- 
ing them. 

The  old  man  heard  with  many  cries  of  astonishment, 
ejaculations  of  prayer,  and  exclamations  of  thanksgiving  ! 
And  all  the  while  his  head  was  bobbing  in  and  out  of  the 
window,  as  he  pulled  on  his  jDantaloous  or  buttoned  his  coat. 

And  oh  !''^  he  said,  at  last,  as  he  opened  the  door  to 
Capitola,  "  how  providential  that  Mr.  Herbert  Greyson  is 
arrove." 

Herbert  Greyson !  Herbert  Greyson  arrived  ! 
Where  is  he  then  V  exclaimed  Capitola,  in  surprise  and 

Yes,  sartin.  Mr.  Herbert  arrove  about  an  hour  ago, 
and  thinking  you  all  were  abed  aud  asleejD  at  the  Hall,  he 
just  stopped  in  with  us  all  night.  I'll  go  and  see,  I  doubt 
if  he's  gone  to  bed  yet,'^  said  Mr.  Ezy,  withdrauung  into 
the  house. 

"  Oh,  thank  Heaven  !  thank  Heaven  I*^  exclaimed  Cap- 
itola, just  as  the  door  opened  and  Herbert  sprang  forward 
to  meet  her  with  a  

''Dear  Capitola  I  I  am  so  glad  to  come  to  see  you/' 
Dear  Herbert  I  just  fancy  yon  have  said  that  a  hun- 
dred times  over,  and  that  I  have  replied  to  the  same  words 
a  hundred  times — for  we  haven't  a  moment  to  spare,"  said 


242 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


Capitola^  shaking  his  hands,  and  then,  in  an  eager,  vehe- 
ment manner,  recounting  her  discovery  and  escape  from 
the  robbers  whom  she  had  locked  up  in  the  house. 

Go,  now,"  she  said,  in  conckision,  '^and  help  Mr. 
Ezy  to  rouse  up  and  arm  the  farm  hands,  and  come  imme- 
diately to  the  house.  I  am  in  an  agony  lest  my  prolonged 
absence  should  excite  the  robbers'  suspicion  of  my  ruse, 
and  that  they  should  break  out  and  perhaps  murder  poor 
Mrs.  Condiment.  Her  situation  is  awful,  if  she  did  but 
know  it !    For  the  love  of  mercy,  hasten  \" 

Not  an  instant  more  of  time  was  lost.  Mr.  Ezy  and 
Herbert  Grey  son,  accompanied  by  Oapitola  and  Patty,  hur- 
ried at  once  to  the  negro  quarters,  roused  up  and  armed 
the  men  with  whatever  was  at  hand,  and  enjoining  them  to 
be  as  stealthy  as  cats  in  their  approach,  set  out  swiftly  for 
the  Hall,  where  they  soon  arrived. 

Take  off  all  your  shoes,  and  walk  lightly  in  your  stock- 
ing feet — do  not  speak — do  not  breathe — follow  me  as  silent 
as  death,"  said  Herbert  Greyson,  as  he  softly  unlocked  the 
front  door  and  entered  the  house. 

Silently  and  stealthily  they  passed  through  the  middle 
hall,  up  the  broad  staircase,  and  through  the  long  narrow 
passage  and  steep  stairs  that  led  to  Capitola^s  remote  cham- 
ber. 

There  at  the  door  they  paused  awhile  to  listen. 
All  was  still  within. 

Herbert  Greyson  unlocked  the  door,  withdrew  the  key, 
and  opened  it  and  entered  the  room,  followed  by  all  the  men. 
He  had  scarcely  time  to  close  the  door  and  lock  it  on  the 
inside,  and  withdraw  the  key,  before  the  robbers,  finding 
themselves  surprised,  burst  out  from  their  hiding-place  and 
make  a  rusli  for  the  passage  ;  but  their  means  of  escape  had 
been  already  cut  off  by  the  forethought  of  Herbert  Greyson. 

A  sharp  conflict  ensued. 

Upon  first  being  summoned  to  surrender,  the  robbers 
responded  by  a  hailstorm  of  bullets  from  their  revolvers. 


THE  PEEIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


243 


followed  instantly  by  a  charge  of  boTrie-knives.  This  was 
met  by  an  avalanche  of  blows  from  pick-axes,  pokers,  pitch- 
forks, sledge-hammers,  spades  and  rakes,  beneath  which  the 
miscreants  were  quickly  beaten  down  and  overwhelmed. 

They  were  then  set  upon  and  bound  with  strong  ropes 
brought  for  the  purpose  by  Mr.  Ezy. 

When  they  were  thus  secured  hand  and  foot,  Capitola, 
who  had  been  a  spectator  of  the  whole  scene,  and  exposed 
as  much  as  any  other  to  the  rattle  of  the  bullets,  now 
approached  and  looked  at  the  vanquished. 

Black  Donald  certainly  was  not  one  of  the  party,  who 
were  no  other  than  our  old  acquaintances,  Hal,  Steve,  and 
Dick  of  the  band. 

Each  burglar  was  conveyed  to  a  separate  apartment, 
and  a  strong  guard  set  over  him. 

Then  Herbert  Greyson  who  had  received  a  flesh  wound 
in  his  left  arm,  returned  to  the  scene  of  the  conflict  to  look 
after  the  wounded.  Several  of  the  negroes  had  received 
gun-shot  wounds  of  more  or  less  importance.  These  were 
speedily  attended  to.  Mrs.  Condiment,  who  had  slept 
securely  through  all  the  fight,  was  now  awakened  by  Capi- 
tola, and  cautiously  informed  of  what  had  taken  place,  and 
assured  that  all  danger  was  now  over. 

The  worthy  woman,  as  soon  as  she  recovered  from  the 
consternation  into  which  this  news  had  plunged  her,  at 
once  set  about  succoring  the  wounded.  Cots  and  mat- 
tresses were  made  up  in  one  of  the  empty  rooms,  and 
bandages  and  balsams  prepared. 

And  not  until  all  who  had  been  hurt  were  made  com- 
fortable, did  Herbert  G-re3'son  throw  himself  tipon  horse- 
back, and  ride  off  to  the  countj^-seat  to  summon  the  author- 
ities, and  to  inform  Major  Warfield  of  what  had  happened. 

ISTo  one  thought  of  retiring  to  bed  at  Hurricane  Hall 
that  night. 

Mrs.  Condiment,  Capitola  and  Patty  sat  watching  by 
the  bedsides  of  the  wounded. 


244: 


THE  PERIL  AND  THE  PLUCK  OF  CAP. 


Bill  Ezy  and  the  men  who  had  escaped  injury  monnted 
guard  over  the  prisoners. 

Thus  they  all  remained  until  sunrise,  when  the  major, 
attended  by  the  deputy-sheriff  and  half  a  dozen  constables, 
arrived.  The  night  ride  of  several  miles  had  not  suflSced 
to  modify  the  fury  into  which  Old  Hurricane  had  been 
thrown  by  the  news  Herbert  Greyson  had  aroused  him  from 
sleep  to  communicate.  He  reached  Hurricane  Hall  in  a 
state  of  excitement  that  his  factotum  Wool  characterized  as 
boiling."  But  in  the  very  torrent,  tempest,  and  whirl- 
wind of  his  passion,"  he  remembered  that  to  rail  at  the 
vanquished,  wounded  and  bound  was  unmanly,  and  so  he 
did  not  trust  himself  to  see  or  speak  to  the  prisoners. 

They  were  p}acecl  in  a  wagon,  and  under  a  strong  escort 
of  constables,  were  conveyed  by  the  deputy-sheriff  to  the 
county  seat,  where  they  were  securely  lodged  in  jail. 

But  Old  Hurricane's  emotions  of  one  sort  or  another 
were  a  treat  to  see  !  He  bemoaned  the  sufferings  of  the 
poor  wounded  men  ;  he  raved  at  the  danger  to  which  his 
''women-kind "  had  been  exposed,  and  he  exulted  in  the 
heroism  of  Capitola,  catching  her  up  in  his  arms  and  crying 
out : 

''  Oh,  my  dear  Cap  !  my  heroine  !  my  queen  !  and  it 
was  you  against  whom  I  was  plotting  treason  !  ninny  that  I 
was  !  you  that  have  saved  my  house  from  pillage  and  my 
people  from  slaughter  !  Oh,  Cap,  what  a  jewel  you  are, 
my  dear." 

To  all  of  which  Capitola,  extricating  her  curly  head 
from  his  embrace,  cried  only  : 
"  Bother." 

Utterly  refusing  to  be  made  a  lioness  of,  and  firmly 
rejecting  the  grand  triumph. 

The  next  day  Major  Warfield  went  up  to  the  county- 
Beat  to  attend  the  examination  of  the  three  burglars,  whom 
he  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  fully  committed  to  prison 
to  await  their  trial  at  the  next  term  of  the  criminal  court. 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


wliicli  would  not  sit  until  October ;  consequent!)^  the  pris- 
oners had  the  prospect  of  remaining  in  Jail  some  months, 
which  Old  Hurricane  declared  to  be  ''some  satisfaction.'' 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 

*'  A  wide  future  smiles  before  him, 

His  heart  will  beat  for  fame, 
And  he  will  learu  to  breathe  with  love 

The  music  of  a  name, 
Writ  on  the  tablets  of  his  heart 

In  characters  of  flame." — Sargent. 

When"  the  winter's  course  of  medical  lectures  at  the 
Washington  College  was  over,  late  in  the  Spring,  Traverse 
Rocke  returned  to  Willow  Heights. 

The  good  doctor  gave  him  a  glad  welcome,  congratu- 
lating him  upon  his  improved  appearance  and  manly  bear- 
ing. 

Clara  received  him  with  blushing  pleasure,  and  Marah 
Rocke  with  all  the  mother's  love  for  her  only  child. 

He  quickly  fell  into  the  old  pleasant  routine  of  his 
country  life  ;  resumed  his  arduous  studies  in  the  doctor's 
office,  his  work  in  the  flower-garden,  and  his  morning  rides 
and  evening  talk  with  the  doctor's  lovely  child. 

Not  the  least  obstacle  was  set  in  the  way  of  his  associa- 
tion with  Clara  ;  yet  Traverse,  grown  stronger  and  wiser 
than  his  years  would  seem  to  promise,  controlled  both  his 
feelings  and  his  actions,  and  never  departed  from  the  most 
respectful  reserve,  or  suffered  himself  to  be  drawn  into 
that  dangerous  familiarity  to  which  their  constant  com- 
panionship might  tempt  him. 


246 


SEEKING  HIS  FOETUNE. 


Marcih  Kocke,  with  maternal  pride,  witnessed  his  con- 
stant self-control,  and  encouraged  him  to  persevere. 
Often  in  the  enthusiasm  of  her  heart,  when  they  were 
alone,  she  would  throw  her  arm  around  him,  and  push  the 
dark  clustering  curls  from  his  fine  forehead,  and  gazing 
fondly  on  his  face,  exclaim  : 

"^'That  is  my  noble-hearted  boy.  Oh,  Traverse,  God 
will  bless  you.    He  only  tries  you  now  to  strengthen  you/^ 

Traverse  always  understood  these  vague  words,  and 
and  would  return  her  embrace  with  all  his  boyish  ardor, 
and  say  : 

God  does  bless  me  now,  mother.  He  blesses  me  so 
much,  in  so  many,  many  ways,  that  I  should  be  worse  than 
a  heathen  not  to  be  willing  to  bear  cheerfully  one  trial." 

And  so  Traverse  vv^ould  ^^reck  his  own  read,"  and  culti- 
vate cheerful  gratitude  as  a  duty  to  God  and  man. 

Clara,  also,  now,  with  her  feminine  intuition,  compre- 
hended her  reserved  lover,  honored  his  motives,  and  rested 
satisfied  with  being  so  deeply  loved,  trusting  all  their  un- 
known future  to  heaven. 

The  doctor^s  appreciation  and  esteem  for  Traverse  in- 
creased with  every  new  unfolding  of  the  youth's  heart  and 
intellect,  and  never  did  master  take  more  j^ains  with  a  favor- 
ite pupil,  or  father  with  a  beloved  son,  than  did  the  doctor 
to  push  Traverse  on  in  his  profession.  The  improvement 
of  the  youth  was  truly  surprising. 

Thus  passed  the  summer  in  healthful  alternation  of  study 
and  p.xercise. 

When  the  season  waned,  late  in  the  autumn,  he  went  a 
second  time  to  Washington  to  attend  the  winter^s  course  of 
lectures  at  the  Medical  College. 

The  doctor  gave  him  letters  recommending  him  as  a 
young  man  of  extraordinary  talents  and  of  excellent  moral 
character,  to  the  particular  attention  of  several  of  the  most 
eminent  professors. 

His  mother  bore  this  second  parting  with  more  cheerful- 


SEEKING  HIS  FOETCno:. 


247 


ness^  especially  as  tlie  separation  Tvas  enlivened  by  frequent 
lettei's  from  Traverse,  full  of  the  history  of  the  present  and 
the  hopes  of  the  future. 

The  doctor  did  not  forget  from  time  to  time  to  jog  the 
memories  of  his  friends,  the  professors  of  the  medical  col- 
lege, that  they  might  afiord  his  protegee  every  facility  and 
assistance  in  the  prosecution  of  his  studies. 

Towards  spring  Traverse  vrote  to  his  friends  that  his 
hopes  were  sar.gaine  of  obtaining  his  diploma  at  the  examin- 
ation to  be  held  at  the  end  of  the  sessiou.  And  when  Tra- 
verse expressed  this  hope,  they  who  knew  him  so  well  felt 
assured  that  he  had  made  no  vain  boast. 

And  so  it  proved,  for  early  in  April  Traverse  Eocke 
returned  home  with  a  diploma  in  his  pocket. 

Sincere  was  the  joyful  sympathy  that  met  him. 

The  doctor  shook  him  cordially  by  the  hands,  declaring 
that  he  was  the  first  student  he  ever  knew  to  get  his  diploma 
at  the  end  of  only  three  years  sttidy. 

Clara,  amid  smiles  and  blushes,  congratttlated  him. 

And  Mrs.  Rocke,  as  soon  as  she  had  him  alone,  threw 
her  arms  around  his  neck  and  wept  for  joy. 

A  few  days  Traverse  gave  up  solely  to  enjoyment  of  his 
friends'  society,  and  then  growing  restless,  he  began  to  talk 
of  opening  an  oflB.ce  and  hanging  out  a  sign  in  Staunton, 

He  consulted  the  doctor  upon  this  subject.  The  good 
doctor  heard  him  out,  and  then  caressing  his  own  chin  and 
looking  over  the  tops  of  his  spectacles,  with  good-humored 
satire,  he  said  : 

'Oly  dear  boy,  you  have  confidence  enough  in  me  by 
this  time  to  bear  that  I  should  speak  plainly  to  you  Y' 

"  Oh,  Doctor  Day,  jzist  say  ichatever  you  Ul^e,"  replied 
the  young  man,  fervently. 

Very  well,  then,  I  shall  speak  very  plainly — to  wit  : 
you'll  never  succeed  in  Staunton — no,  not  if  you  had  the 
genius  of  Galen  and  Esculapius,  Abernethj,  and  Benjamin 
Rush  put  together. 


248  SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 

My  dear  sir,  why 
'^Because,  my  son,  it  is  written  that  ra  prophet  hath  no 
honor  in  his  own  city  !^    Of  our  blessed  Lord  and  Savior 
the  contemptuous  Jews  said,  *  Is  not  this  Jesus,  the  carpen- 
ter's son 

"  Ob,  I  understand  you,  sir,"  said  Traverse,  with  a  deep 
bkish,  you  mean  that  the  people  who  used  eome  years 
ago  to  employ  me  to  put  in  their  coal  and  s;iw  their  wood 
and  run  their  errands,  will  never  trust  me  to  look  at  their 
tongues  and  feel  their  pulses  and  write  prescriptions." 

That's  it,  my  boy  ;  you've  defined  the  difficulty.  And 
now  I'll  tell  you  what  you  are  to  do,  Traverse — you  must 
go  to  the  West,  my  lad." 

Go  to  the  West,  sir  !  leave  my  mother  !  leave  you  ! 

leave  " 

He  hesitated,  and  blushed. 

 Clara?    Yes,  my  son  ;  you  must  go  to  the  West, 

leave  your  mother,  leave  me  and  leave  Clara  ;  it  will  be 
best  for  all  parties.  We  managed  to  live  without  our  lad, 
when  he  was  away  at  his  studies  in  Washington,  and  we 
will  try  to  dispense  with  him  longer  if  it  be  for  his  own 
good." 

''Ah,  sir,  but  then  absence  had  a  limitation,  and  the 
hope  of  return  sweetened  every  day  that  passed  ;  but  if  I 
go  to  the  West  to  settle  it  will  be  without  the  remotest 
hope  of  returning  !" 

''  i^ot  so,  my  boy — not  so  ;  for  just  as  soon  as  Doctor 
Kocke  has  established  himself  in  some  thriving  Western 
town,  and  obtained  a  good  practice,  gained  a  higii  reputa- 
tion and  made  himself  a  home — which,  as  he  is  a  fast  young 
man  in  the  best  sense  of  the  phrase,  he  can  do  in  a  very  fev/ 
years — he  may  come  back  here  and  carry  to  his  Western 
home — his  mother,"  said  the  doctor,  with  a  mischievous 
twinkle  of  his  eyes. 

''  Doctor  Day,  I  owe  you  more  than  a  son's  honor  and 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


249 


obedience.  I  will  go  wherever  you  think  it  best  tliAt  I 
should/''  said  Traverse^  earnestly. 

1^0  more  than  I  expected  from  all  my  previous  knowl- 
edge of  you.  Traverse.  And  I,  on  my  part,  will  give  you 
only  such  counsel  as  I  should  give  my  own  son,  had  Heaven 
blessed  me  with  one.  And  now.  Traverse,  there  is  no  bet- 
ter season  for  emigration  than  the  spring,  and  no  better 
point  to  stay  and  make  observations  at  then  St.  Louis.  Of 
course,  the  place  of  your  final  destination  must  be  left  for 
future  consideration.  I  have  influential  friends  at  St.  Louis 
to  whom  I  will  give  you  letters.^' 

*^Dear  sir,  to  have  matured  this  plan  so  well  you  must 
have  been  kindly  thinking  of  my  future  this  long  time 
past,^'  said  Traverse,  gratefully. 

Of  course  !  of  course  !  Who  has  a  better  right  ? 
Now  go  and  break  this  plan  to  your  mother." 

Traverse  pressed  the  doctor^s  hand  and  went  to  seek  his 
mother.  He  found  her  in  his  room  busy  among  his  cloth- 
ing. He  begged  her  to  stop  and  sit  down  while  he  talked 
to  her.  And  when  she  had  done  so,  he  told  her  the  doctor's 
plan.  He  had  almost  feared  that  his  mother  would  meet 
this  proposition  with  sighs  and  tears. 

To  his  surprise  and  pleasure,  Mrs.  Kocke  received  the 
news  with  an  encouraging  smile,  telling  him  that  the  doctor 
had  long  prepared  her  to  expect  that  her  boy  would  very 
properly  go  and  establish  himself  in  the  West ;  that  she 
should  correspond  wath  him  frequently,  and  as  soon  as  he 
should  be  settled,  come  and  keep  house  for  him. 

Finally  she  said  that,  anticipating  this  emergency,  she 
had,  during  her  three  years'  residence  beneath  the  doctor's 
roof,  saved  three  hundred  dollars,  which  she  should  give 
her  boy  to  start  with. 

The  tears  rushed  to  the  young  man's  eyes. 
For  your  dear  sake,  mother,  only  for  yoiirs,  may  they 
become  three  hundred  tlionsand  in  my  hands/' he  exclaimed. 


260 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


Preparations  were  immediately  commenced  for  Traversers 
journey. 

As  before^  Clara  gladly  gave  lier  aid  in  getting  ready 
his  wardrobe.  As  he  was  about  to  make  his  debut  as  a 
young  physician  in  a  strange  city,  his  mother  was  anxious 
that  his  dress  should  be  faultless,  and  therefore  put  the 
most  delicate  needle-work  upon  all  the  little  articles  of  his 
outfit.  Clara  volunteered  to  mark  them  all.  And  one 
day,  when  Traverse  happened  to  be  alone  with  his  mother, 
she  showed  him  his  handkerchiefs,  collars  and  linen  beau- 
tifully marked  in  minute  embroidered  letters. 

^^I  suppose,  Traverse,  that  you  being  a  young  man, 
cannot  appreciate  the  exquisite  beauty  of  this  work,''  she 
said. 

"  Indeed,  but  I  can,  mother.  I  did  not  sit  by  your  side 
so  many  years  while  you  worked  without  knowing  some- 
thing about  it.  This  is  wonderful.  The  golden  thread 
with  which  the  letters  are  embroidered  is  finer  than  the 
finest  silk  I  ever  saw,"  said  Traverse,  admiringly,  to  please 
his  mother,  whom  he  supposed  to  be  the  embroideress. 

^^  Well  they  may  be,''  said  Mrs.  Eocke,  ^'for  that 
golden  thread  of  which  you  speak  is  Clara's  golden  hair, 
which  she  herself  has  drawn  out  and  threaded  her  needle 
with,  and  worked  into  the  letters  of  your  name." 

Traverse  suddenly  looked  up,  his  color  went  and  came, 
he  had  no  words  to  reply. 

'■'I  told  you  because  I  thought  it  would  give  you  pleas- 
ure to  know  it,  and  that  it  would  be  a  comfort  to  you  when 
you  are  far  away  from  us  ;  for  Traverse,  I  hope  that  by  this 
time  you  have  grown  strong  and  -wise  enough  to  have 
conquered  yourself,  and  to  enjoy  dear  Clara's  friendship 
aright !" 

Mother,"  he  said,  sorrowfully,  and  then  his  voice 
broke  down,  and  without  another  word  he  turned  and  left 
the  room. 

To  feel  how  deeply  and  hopelessly  he  loved  the  doctor's 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


251 


sweet  daughter — to  feel  sure  that  she  perceived  and  re- 
turned his  dumb,  despairing  love — and  to  know  that  duty, 
gratitude,  honor  commanded  him  to  be  silent^  to  tear  him- 
self away  from  her  and  make  no  sign  was  a  trial  almost  too 
great  for  the  young  heart's  integrity.  Scarcely  could  he 
prevent  the  internal  struggle  betraying  itself  upon  his  coun- 
tenance. As  the  time  drew  near  for  his  departure  self- 
control  grew  difficult  and  almost  impossible.  Even  Clara 
lost  her  joyous  spirits^,  and  despite  all  her  efforts  to  be 
cheerful,  grew  so  pensive  that  her  father,  without  seemiug 
to  understand  the  cause,  gaily  rallied  her  upon  her  dejec- 
tion. 

Traverse  understood  it  and  almost  longed  for  the  day 
to  come  when  he  should  leave  this  scene  of  his  love  and  his 
sore  trial. 

One  afternoon,  a  few  days  before  he  was  to  start.  Doctor 
Day  sent  for  Traverse  to  come  to  him  in  his  study.  And 
as  soon  as  they  were  seated  comfortably  together  at  the 
table,  the  doctor  put  into  the  young  mane's  Land  a  well- 
filled  pocket-book  ;  and  when  Traverse,  with  a  deep  and 
painful  blush,  would  liave  given  it  back,  he  forced  it  upon 
him  with  the  old  argument  : 

It  is  only  a  loan,  my  boy.  ]\Ioney  put  out  at  interest. 
Capital  well  and  satisfactorily  invested.  And  now  listen 
to  me.  I  am  about  to  speak  to  you  of  that  which  is  much 
nearer  your  heart — ^' 

Traverse  became  painfully  embarrassed. 
Traverse,'^  resumed  the  doctor,  I  have  grown  to 
love  you  as  a  son,  and  to  esteem  you  as  a  man.  I  have 
lived  long  enough  to  value  solid  integrity  far  beyond  wealth 
or  birth,  and  when  that  integrity  is  adorned  and  enriched 
by  high  talents,  it  forms  a  character  of  excellence  not  often 
met  vith  in  this  world.  I  have  proved  both  your  integrity 
and  your  talents.  Traverse,  and  I  am  more  than  satisfied 
with  you  ;  I  am  proud  of  you  my  boy.'^ 

Traverse  bowed  deeply,  but  still  blushed. 


252 


SEEKING  HIS  FOETUNE. 


'You  will  wonder/^  continued  the  doctor,  to  what  all 
this  talk  tends.  I  will  tell  you.  Traverse,  I  have  long 
known  your  unspoken  love  for  Clara,  and  I  have  honored 
your  scruples  in  keeping  silent,  when  silence  must  have 
been  so  painful.  Your  trial  is  now  over,  my  son.  Go  and 
open  for  yourself  an  honorable  career  in  the  profession  you 
have  chosen  and  mastered,  and  return,  and  Clara  shall  bo 
yours. 

Traverse,  overwhelmed  with  surprise  and  joy  at  this 
incredible  good  fortune,  seized  the  doctor's  hand,  and  in 
wild  and  incolierent  language  tried  to  express  his  gratitude. 

There,  there, said  the  doctor,  ''go  and  tell  Clara  all 
this,  and  bring  the  roses  back  to  her  cheeks,  and  then  your 
parting  will  be  the  happier  for  this  hope  before  you." 

"I  must  speak.  I  must  speak  first,"  said  the  young 
man,  in  a  choking  voice.  "  I  must  tell  you  some  little  of 
the  deep  gratitude  I  feel  for  you,  sir.  0  !  when  I  forget 
all  that  you  have  done  for  me,  '  may  my  right  hand  forget 
her  cunning  !'  May  God  and  man  forget  me  !  Doctor  Day, 
the  Lord  helping  me  for  your  good  sake,  I  will  be  all  that 
you  have  prophesied  and  hope  and  expect  of  me.  For  your 
sake,  for  Clara's  and  my  mother's,  I  will  bend  every  power 
of  my  mind,  soul  and  body  to  attain  the  eminence  you  desire 
for  me.  In  a  word,  the  Lord  giving  me  grace,  I  will  become 
worthy  of  being  your  son  and  Clara's  husband." 

"  There,  there,  my  dear  boy,  go  and  tell  Clara  all  that," 
said  the  doctor,  pressing  the  young  man's  hand  and  dis- 
missing him. 

Traverse  went  immediately  to  seek  Clara,  whom  he  found 
sitting  alone  in  the  parlor. 

She  was  bending  over  some  delicate  needlework,  that 
Traverse  knew  by  instinct  was  intended  for  himself. 

Now,  had  Traverse  foreseen  from  the  first  the  success  of 
his  love,  there  might  possibly  have  been  the  usual  shyness 
and  hesitation  in  declaring  himself  to  the  object  of  his 
affection.    But  altliough  he  and  Clara  had  long  deeply  and 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


253 


silently  lo^ed  and  understood  each  other,  yet  neither  had 
dared  to  hope  for  so  improbable  an  event  as  the  doctor^s 
favoring  their  attachment,  and  now,  under  the  exciting 
influence  of  the  surprise,  joy  and  gratitude  with  which  the 
doctor's  magnanimity  had  filled  his  heart.  Traverse  forgot 
all  shyness  and  hesitation,  and  stepping  quickly  to  Clara's 
side,  and  dropping  gently  upon  one  knee,  he  took  her 
hand,  and  bowing  his  head  upon  it,  said  : 

Clara,  my  own,  own  Clara  !  your  dear  father  has 
given  me  leave  to  tell  you  at  last  how  much  and  how  long  I 
have  loved  you,''  and  then  he  arose  and  sat  down  beside 
her. 

The  blush  deepened  upon  Clara's  cheek,  tears  filled  her 
eyes,  and  her  voice  trembled  as  she  murmured  : 

Heaven  bless  my  dear  father!  He  is  unlike  every 
other  man  on  earth." 

^*0h,  he  is!  he  is  !"  said  Traverse,  fervently, — and, 
dear  Clara,  never  did  a  man  strive  so  hard  for  wealth,  fame 
or  glory,  as  I  shall  strive  to  become  ^  worthy  to  be  called  his 
son.'" 

Do  Traverse,  do  dear  Traverse.  I  want  you  to  honor 
even  his  very  highest  drafts  upon  your  moral  and  intellectual 
capacities.  I  know  you  are  *  worthy  '  of  his  high  regard 
now,  else  he  never  would  have  chosen  you  as  his  son — but  I 
am  ambitious  for  you  Traverse.  I  would  have  your  motto 
be — Excelsior  !  higher  !"  said  the  doctor's  daughter. 

And  you,  dear  Clara,  may  I  venture  to  hope  that  you 
do  not  disapprove  of  your  father's  choice,  or  reject  the 
hand  that  he  permits  me  to  offer  you  ?"  said  Traverse  ;  for 
though  he  understood  Clara  well  enough,  yet  like  all  hon- 
est men,  he  wanted  some  definite  and  practical  engage- 
ment. 

There  is  my  hand,  my  heart  was  yours  long  ago,'^ 
murmured  the  maiden  in  a  tremulous  voice. 

He  took  and  pressed  that  white  hand  to  his  heart, 
looked  hesitatingly  and  pleadingly  in  her  face  for  an 


254 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


instant,  and  then  drawing  her  gently  to  his  bosom,  sealed 
their  betrothal  on  her  pure  lips. 

Then  they  sat  side  by  side,  and  hand  in  hand,  in  a 
sweet  silence  for  a  few  moments,  and  then  Clara  said  : 

You  have  not  told  your  mother  yet.  Go  and  tell  her. 
Traverse  ;  it  will  make  her  so  happy.  And,  Traverse,  I 
will  be  a  daughter  to  her,  while  you  are  gone.  Tell  her 
that,  too.^' 

"  Dear  girl,  you  have  always  been  as  kind  and  loving  to 
my  mother  as  it  was  possible  to  be — how  can  you  ever  be 
more  so  than  you  have  been  V 

I  shall  find  a  way,"*"*  smiled  Clara. 

Again  he  pressed  her  hand  to  liis  heart  and  to  his  lips, 
and  left  the  room  to  find  his  mother.  He  had  a  search 
before  he  discovered  her  at  last  in  the  drawing-room, 
arranging  it  for  their  evening  fireside  gathering. 

Come,  mother,  and  sit  down  by  me  on  this  sofa,  for 
I  have  glorious  tidings  for  your  ear.  Dear  Clara  sent  me 
from  her  own  side  to  tell  you." 

"  Ah  !  still  thinking,  always  ^thinking,  madly  thinking 
of  the  doctor^s  daughter.  Poor,  poor  boy said  Mrs. 
Kocke. 

Yes  !  and  always  intend  to  think  of  her  to  the  very  end 
of  my  life,  and  beyond,  if  possible.  But  come,  dear 
mother,  and  hear  me  explain,"  said  Traverse  ;  and  as  soon 
as  Mrs.  Eocke  had  taken  the  indicated  seat,  Traverse 
commenced  and  related  to  her  the  substance  of  the  conver- 
sation between  the  doctor  and  himself  in  the  library,  in 
which  the  former  authorized  his  addresses  to  his  daughter, 
and  also  his  own  subsequent  explanation  and  engagement 
with  Chn^ra. 

Mrs.  Eocke  listened  to  all  this,  in  unbroken  silence,  and 
when,  at  length.  Traverse  had  concluded  his  story,  she 
clasped  her  hands  and  raised  her  eyes,  uttering  fervent 
thanksgivings  to  the  fountain  of  all  mercies. 

You  do  not  congratulate  me,  dear  mother/' 


SEEKING  HIS  FORTUNE. 


255 


Oh,  Traverse  !  I  am  returning  thanks  to  Heaven  on 
your  behalf.  Oh,  my  son  !  my  son  !  but  that  such  things 
as  these  are  Providential,  I  should  tremble  to  see  you  so 
happy.  So  I  will  not  presume  to  congratulate.  I  will  pray 
for  you.^^ 

Dear  mother,  you  have  suffered  so  much  in  your  life, 
that  you  are  incredulous  of  happiness.  Be  more  hopeful 
and  confiding.  The  Bible  says:  *  There  remaineth  now 
these  three.  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity,  but  the  greatest  of 
all  is  Charity."'  You  have  Charity  enough,  dear  mother  ; 
try  to  have  more  Faith  and  Hope,  and  you  will  be  happier. 
And  look ;  there  is  Clara  coming  this  way ;  she  does  not 
know  that  we  are  here.  I  will  gall  her.  Dear  Clara,  come 
in  and  convince  my  mother ;  she  will  not  believe  in  our 
happiness,^^  said  Traverse,  going  to  the  door  and  leading  his 
blushing  and  smiling  betrothed  into  the  room. 

*^It  maybe  that  Mrs.  Eocke  does  not  want  me  for  a 
daughter-in-law,^^  said  Clara,  archly,  as  she  approached  and 
put  her  hand  in  that  of  Marah. 

Not  want  you,  my  own  darling, said  Marah  Eocke, 
putting  her  arm  around  Clara^s  waist,  and  drawing  her  to 
her  bosom  ;  not  want  you.  You  know  I  am  just  as  much 
in  love  with  you  as  Traverse  himself  can  be.  And  I  have 
longed  for  you,  my  sweet,  longed  for  you  as  an  unattain- 
able blessing,  ever  since  that  day  when  Traverse  first  left 
us  and  you  came  and  laid  your  bright  head  on  my  bosom 
and  wept  with  me." 

'^And  now  if  we  must  cry  a  little  when  Traverse  leaves 
us,  we  can  go  and  take  comfort  in  being  miserable 
together,  with  a  better  understanding  of  our  relations," 
said  Clara,  with  an  arch  smile. 

Where  are  you  all  ? — Where  is  everybody — that  I  am 
left  wandering  about  the  lonely  house  like  a  poor  ghost  in 
Hades  T'  said  the  doctor's  cheerful  voice  in  the  passage 
without. 

Here  father  !  here  we  are  !  a  family  party  wanting 


256 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  OUTLAw's  DEN. 


only  you  to  complete  it"  answered  his  daughter,  springing 
to  meet  him. 

The  doctor  came  in  smiling,  pressed  his  daughter  to  his 
bosom,  shook  Traverse  cordially  by  the  hand,  and  kissed 
Marah  Eocke's  cheek.  That  was  his  way  of  congratulating 
himself  and  all  others,  on  the  betrothal. 

The  evening  was  passed  in  unalloyed  happiness. 

Let  them  enjoy  it.  It  was  their  last  of  comfort — that 
bright  evening. 

Over  that  household  was  already  gathering  a  cloud, 
heavy  and  dark  with  calamity — calamity  that  must  have 
overwhelmed  the  stability  of  any  faith  which  was  not  as 
theirs  was — stayed  upon  God. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

A  PAKIO  m  THE  outlaw's  DEN. 

"  Imagination  frames  events  unknown, 
In  wild,  fantastic  shapes  of  hideous  ruin, 
And  what  it  fears  creates !"         — Hannah  More. 

"Dark  doubt  and  fears,  o'er  other  spirits  lower, 
But  touch  not  his,  who  every  waking  hour. 
Has  one  fixed  hope  and  always  feels  its  power." 

— Crabbe. 

Upon  the  very  same  night,  that  the  three  robbers  were 
surprised  and  captured  by  the  presence  of  mind  of  Capitola 
at  Hurricane  Hall,  Black  Donald,  disguised  as  a  negro,  was 
lurking  in  the  woods  around  the  mansion,  waiting  for  tlie 
C3ming  of  the  three  men  with  their  prize. 

But  as  hour  after  hour  passed  and  they  came  not,  the 
desperado  began  heartily  to  curse  their  sloth — for  to  no  other 


A  PANIC  m  TIl-E  outlaw's  DEN.  257 

cause  was  he  enabled  to  attribute  the  delay,  as  he  knew  the 
house,  the  destined  scene  of  the  outrage,  to  be  deserted  by 
all  for  the  night,  except  by  the  three  helpless  females. 

As  night  waned  and  morning  began  to  dawn  in  the  East, 
the  chief  grew  seriously  uneasy,  at  the  prolonged  absence  of 
his  agents — a  circumstance  that  he  could  only  account  for 
upon  the  absurd  hypothesis  that  those  stupid  brutes  had 
suffered  themselves  to  be  overtaken  by  sleep  in  their  ambus- 
cade. 

While  he  was  cursing  their  inefficiency,  and  regretting 
that  he  had  not  himself  made  one  of  the  party,  he  wandered 
in  his  restlessness  to  another  part  of  the  woods,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  house. 

He  had  not  been  long  here  before  his  attention  was 
arrested  by  the  trampling  of  approaching  horsemen.  He 
withdrew  into  the  shade  of  the  thicket  and  listened  while 
the  travelers  went  by. 

The  party  proved  to  consist  of  Old  Hurricane,  Herbert 
Greyson,  and  the  sheriff's  officers,  on  their  way  from  the 
town  to  Hurricane  Hall,  to  take  the  captured  burglars  into 
custody.  And  Black  Donald,  by  listening  attentively, 
gathered  enough  from  their  conversation  to  know  that  his 
men  had  been  discovered  and  captured  by  the  heroism  of 
Capitola. 

''That  girl  again  V'  muttered  Black  Donald  to  himself. 
^[  She  is  doomed  to  be  my  destruction,  or  I  hers.  Our  fates 
are  evidently  connected  !  Poor  Steve !  poor  Dick  !  poor 
Hal  !    Little  did  I  think  that  your  devotion  to  your  captain 

would  carry  you  into  the  very  jaws  of  death  !  Pshaw  ! 

hang  it !  let  boys  and  women  w^hine.    I  must  act  \" 

And  with  this  resolution  Black  Donald  dogged  the  path 
of  the  horsemen  until  he  had  reached  that  parfc  of  the 
woods  skirting  the  road  opposite  the  park  gate.  Here  he 
hid  himself  in  the  bushes  to  watch  events.  Soon  from  his 
hiding-place  he  saw  the  wagon  approach,  containing  the 
three  men,  heavily  iroBJ^d  and  escorted  by  a  strong  guard 


258 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  OUTLAV/'s  DEN. 


of  coiiiity  constables  and  plantation  negroes,  all  well  avmed, 
and  nnder  the  command  of  the  Sheriff  and  Herbert  Grey- 
son. 

Ha,  ha,  ha  !  they  must  dread  an  attempt  on  our  part 
of  rescue,  or  they  never  would  think  of  putting  such  a 
formidable  guard  over  three  wounded  and  handcuffed 
men     laughed  Black  Donald  to  himself. 

''Courage,  my  boys,^^  he  muttered.  ''Your  chief  will 
free  you  from  prison  or  share  your  captivity.  I  wish  I 
could  trumpet  that  into  your  ears  at  this  moment,  but 
prudence,  '  the  better  part  of  valor, ^  forbids,  for  the  same 
words  that  would  encourage  you  would  warn  your  captors 
into  greater  vigilance. And  so  saying  Black  Donald  let 
the  procession  pass,  and  then  made  tracks  for  his  retreat. 

It  w^as  broad  daylight  when  he  reached  the  Old  Inn. 
The  robbers,  worn  out  with  waiting  and  watching  for  the 
captain  and  his  men  with  the  fair  prize,  had  thrown  them- 
selves down  upon  the  kitchen  floor,  and  now  lay  in  every 
sort  of  awkward  attitude,  stretcbeid  out  or  doubled  up  in 
heavy  sleep.  The  old  beldame  had  disappeared — doubtless 
she  had  long  since  sought  her  night  lair. 

Taking  a  poker  from  the  corner  of  the  fire-place.  Black 
Donald  went  around  among  the  sleeping  robbers  and  stirred 
them  up,  with  vigorous  punches  in  the  ribs  and  cries  of  : 

"Wake  up  !  dolts  !  blockheads  I  wake  up  !  You  rest  on 
a  volcano  about  to  break  out  !  You  sleep  over  a  mine 
about  to  be  exploded  !  Wake  up,  sluggards  that  you  are  I 
Your  town  is  taken  !  Your  castle  is  stormed  !  The  enemy 
is  at  your  throats  with  drawn  swords  !  Ah,  brutes  !  will 
you  wake  then  !  oi'  shall  I  have  to  lay  it  on  harder  ?" 
What  the  demon 

'^  How  now  r 

"  What^s  this  T'  were  some  of  the  ejaculations  of  the 
men  as  they  slowly  and  sulkily  roused  themselves  from  their 
heavy  slumber. 

The  house  is  on  fire  ;  the  ship's  sinking ;  the  cars  have 


S59 


run  oiJ  the  track  ;  the  boiler's  burst ;  and  the  deviFs  to 
pay/"'  cried  Bhick  Donald^  accompanying  his  words  with 
vigorous  punches  of  the  poker  into  the  ribs  of  the  recumbent 
men. 

What  the  fonl  fiend  ails  you^,  Captain  ?  Have  you 
got  the  girl,  and  drunk  too  much  liquor  on  your  wedding 
night      asked  one  of  the  men. 

^0,  Mack,  I  have  not  got  the  girl.  On  the  contrary, 
the  girl,  blame  her,  has  got  three  of  my  best  men  in  custody. 
In  one  word,  Hal,  Dick  and  Steve  are  safely  lodged  in  the 
county  jail.''^ 

'^Perdition  ? 
My  eye  V 

"  Here's  a  go  1"  were  the  simultaneous  exclamations  of 
the  men  as  they  sprung  upon  their  feet. 

^*'In  the  fiend^s  name,  Captain,  tell  us  all  about  it,^^  said 
Mac,  anxiously. 

"  I  have  no  time  to  talk  much,  nor  you  to  tarry  long. 
It  was  all  along  of  that  blamed  witch,  Capitola,"  said 
Black  Donald,  who  then  gave  a  rapid  account  of  the  advent- 
ure, and  the  manner  in  which  Capitola  entrapped  and  cap- 
tured the  burglars,  together  with  the  way  in  which  he  him- 
self came  by  the  information. 

I  declare  one  can't  help  liking  that  girl.  I  should 
admire  her  even  if  she  should  put  a  rope  about  my  neck,'-* 
said  Mac. 

She's  a  Iriclc,^'  said  another,  with  emphasis. 
"  She's  some  punkins,  now,  I  tell  you,'' assented  a  third. 
^'I  am  more  than  ever  resolved  to  get  her  into  my 
possession.    But  in  the  meantime,  lads,  we  must  eyacuate 
the  old  inn  ;  it  is  getting  too  hot  to  hold  us." 
'^Aye,  Captain  !" 
Aye,  lads  !  listen  !  we  must  talk  fast,   and  act 
promptly  !  the  poor  fellows  up  there  in  Jail  are  game,  I 
know.    They  would  not  willingly  peach  :  but  they  are 


i60 


A  PANIC  IN  THK  OUTLAW'S  DEM. 


badly  wounded  :  if  one  of  them  should  have  to  die,  and  be 
blessed  with  a  psalm-singing  parson  to  attend  him — no 
knowing  what  he  may  be  persuaded  to  confess.  Therefore, 
let  us  quickly  decide  upon  some  new  rendezvous  that  will 
be  unsuspected,  even  by  our  poor  caged  birds.  If  any  of 
you  have  any  place  in  your  eye,  speak. 

We  would  l  ather  hear  what  you  have  to  say.  Captain,^' 
said  Mac  ;  and  all  the  rest  assented. 

Well,  then,  you  all  know  the  Devil's  Punch  Bowl.^^ 

Aye,  do  we.  Captain. 
"Well,  what  you  do  not  know  !  what  nobody  knows  but 
myself  is  this — that  about  half  way  down  that  awful  chasm, 
in  the  side  of  the  rock,  is  a  hole,  concealed  by  a  clump  of 
evergreens  ;  that  hole  is  the  entrance  to  a  cavern  of  enor- 
mous extent — let  that  be  our  next  rendezvous.  And  now, 
avaunt  !  fly  !  scatter  !  and  meet  me  in  the  cavern  to-night, 
at  the  usual  hour.  Listen — carry  away  all  our  arms,  amu- 
nition,  disguises,  and  provisions — so  that  no  vestige  of  our 
presence  may  be  left  behind.  As  for  dummy,  if  tlicy  can 
make  her  speak,  the  cutting  out  of  her  tongue  was  lost 
labor  !— Vanish  \" 

But  our  pals  in  prison,"  said  Mac. 
^^They  shall  be  my  care.  We  must  lie  low  for  a  few 
days,  so  as  to  put  the  authorities  off  their  guard  ;  then  if 
our  pals  recover  from  their  wounds,  and  have  proved  game 
against  church  and  State,  I  shall  know  what  measures  to 
take  for  their  deliverance.  N'o  more  talk  now  !  prepare  for 
your  flitting  and  fly  !" 

The  captain^'s  orders  were  obeyed,  and  within  two  hours 
from  that  time  no  vestige  of  the  robbers'  presence  remained 
in  the  deserted  old  inn.  If  any  sheriff's  officer  had  come 
there  with  a  search-warrant,  he  would  have  found  nothing 
suspicious  ;  he  would  have  seen  only  a  poor  old  dumb 
woman,  busy  at  her  spinning-wheel ;  and  if  he  had  ques- 
tioned her,  would  only  have  got  smiles  and  shakes  of  the 
head  for  an  answer ;  or  the  exhibition  of  coarse  country 


A  PA^IQ  IN'  THE  l  lTLAVT  S  !>/. 


gloves  and  stockings  of  her  own  knitting,  which  she  wonlcl^ 
in  dnmb  show^.  beg  him  to  pnrchase. 

Days  r/:d  -  -  jks  ^-f.ssed,  and  the  three  imprisoned  burg- 
lars laiii:;:-heA  in  y.ii   ::-ch  in  a  separate  celh 

Bitterly  each  in  h-  .  .  _ :  comphained  of  the  leader  that 
had.  apparenriv.  deserted  tuem  in  their  direst  ii::-'  -  -d 
if  rjeihier  betrayed  him,  it  was  probably  beca;:-_-  t..  _  -A 
not  do  so  without  deeply  criminating  themsrlve^,  and  for 
no  better  motive. 

There  is  said  to  be  '"honor  amoDg  thieves.'^  It  i:,  on 
the  face  of  it,  untrue  :  there  can  be  neither  honor,  confi- 
dence nor  safety  among  men  whose  profession  is  crime. 
The  burglars,  therefore,  had  no  confidence  in  their  leader, 
and  secretly  and  bitterly  reproached  him  for  his  desertion 
of  them. 

iMeanwhile  the  annual  camp-meeting  season  approached. 
It  was  rumored  that  a  camp-meeting  would  be  held  m  the 
wooded  vale  below  Tip  Top,  and  soon  this  report  was  ccm- 
firmed  by  announcements  in  all  the  county  papers.  And 
all  who  intended  to  take  part  in  the  religious  festivLil  or 
have  a  tent  on  the  ground,  began  to  prepare  provisions — 
cooking  meat  and  poultry,  bakiug  bread,  cakes,  pies,  etc. 
And  preachers  from  all  parts  of  the  country  were  flocking 
into  the  village  to  be  on  the  spjt  for  the  commencement. 

iMrs.  Condiment,  though  a  member  of  another  chtirch, 
loved  ill  her  soul  the  religious  excitement — *' the  v-arming 
up,'"^  as  she  called  it,  to  be  had  at  the  camp-meeting  !  But 
never  in  the  whole  course  of  her  life  had  she  taken  part  in 
one,  except  so  far  as  riding  to  the  preaching  in  the  morning 
and  returniug  home  in  the  evening. 

But  Capitola,  who  was  as  usual  in  the  interval  between 
her  adventures  bored  half  to  death  with  the  monotony  of 
her  life  at  iHurricane  iHall, — and  praying  not  against  but 
wishing  for — fire,  floods  or  thieves,  or  anything  to  stir  her 
stagnant  blood,  heard  of  the  camp-meeting,  and  expressed 
a  wish  to  have  a  tent  on  the  camp  ground  and  remain  there 


S62 


from  the  beginuing  to  the  end,  to  see  all  that  was  to  be 
seen  ;  hear  all  that  was  to  be  heard  ;  feel  all  that  was  to  be 
felt ;  and  learn  all  that  was  to  be  known. 

And  as  Capitola,  ever  since  her  victory  over  the  burg- 
lars, had  been  the  queen  regnant  of  Hurricane  Hall,  she 
had  only  to  express  this  wish  to  have  it  carried  into  immedi- 
ate effect. 

Old  Hurricane  himself  went  up  to  Tip  Top  and  pur- 
chased the  canvas  and  set  two  men  to  work  under  his  own 
immediate  direction  to  make  the  tent. 

And  as  Major  Warfield's  campaigning  experience  was 
very  valuable  here,  it  turned  out  that  the  Hurricane  Hall 
tent  was  the  largest  and  best  on  the  camp  ground.  As  soon 
as  it  was  set  up  under  the  shade  of  a  grove  of  oak  trees,  a 
wagon  from  Hurricane  Hall  conveyed  to  the  spot  the  simple 
and  necessary  furniture,  cooking  materials  and  provisions. 
And  the  same  morning  the  family  carriage,  driven  by  Wool, 
brought  out  Major  Warfield,  Mrs.  Condiment,  Oapitola  and 
her  little  maid  Patty. 

The  large  tent  was  divided  into  two  compartments — one 
for  Major  Warfield  and  his  man  Wool — the  otlier  for  Mrs. 
Condiment,  Capitola  and  Patty. 

As  the  family  party  stepped  out  of  the  carriage,  the 
novelty,  freshness  and  beauty  of  the  scene  called  forth  a 
simultaneous  burst  of  admiration.  The  little  snoAv-white 
tents  were  dotted  here  and  there  tlirough  the  woods,  in 
beautiful  contrast  with  the  greenness  of  the  foliage  ;  groups 
of  well-dressed  and  cheerful-looking  men,  women  and  child- 
ren were  walking  about ;  over  all  smiled  a  morning  sky  of 
cloudless  siDlendor.  The  preachings  and  the  prayer-meet- 
ings had  not  yet  commenced.  Indeed,  many  of  the  breth- 
ren were  hard  at  work  in  an  extensive  clearing,  setting  up 
a  rude  pulpit,  and  arranging  rough  benches  to  accommodate 
the  women  and  children  of  the  camp  congregation. 

Our  party  went  into  their  tent,  delighted  with  the 
novelty  of  the  whole  thing,  though  Old  Hurricane  declared 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  OUTLAW's  DEN. 


263 


that  it  was  nothing  new  to  his  experience,  but  reminded 
him  strongly  of  his  campaigning  days. 

Wool  assented,  saying  that  the  only  difference  was,  there 
were  no  ladies  in  the  old  military  camp. 

I  have  neither  time  or  space  to  give  a  full  account  of  this 
camp-meeting.  The  services  commenced  the  same  evening. 
There  were  preachers  of  more  or  less  fervor  of  piety  and 
eloquence  of  utterance.  Old  Christians  had  their  first 
love  "  revived  ;  young  ones  found  their  zeal  kindled,  and 
sinners  were  awakened  to  a  sense  of  their  sin  and  danger. 
Every  Christian  there  said  the  season  had  been  a  good  one. 

In  the  height  of  the  religious  enthusiasm,  there  appeared 
a  new  preacher  in  the  field.  He  seemed  a  man  considerably 
past  middle  age,  and  broken  down  with  sickness  or  sorrow. 
His  figure  was  tall,  thin  and  stooping,  his  hair  white  as 
snow,  his  face  pale  and  emaciated,  his  movements  slow  and 
feeble,  and  his  voice  low  and  unsteady.  He  wore  a  solemn 
suit  of  black,  that  made  his  thin  form  seem  of  skeleton  pro- 
portions, a  snow-white  neckcloth,  and  a  pair  of  great  round 
iron-rimmed  spectacles  that  added  nothing  to  his  good  * 
looks. 

Yet  this  old,  sickly  and  feeble  man  seemed  one  of  fervent 
piety  and  of  burning  eloquence.  -Every  one  sought  his 
society  ;  and  when  it  was  known  that  Father  Gray  was  to 
hold  forth,  the  whole  camp  congregation  turned  out  to  hear 
him. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  in  the  midst  of  this  great 
revival,  those  poor  '^'sinners  above  all  sinners,"  the  burglars 
imprisoned  in  the  neighboring  town  were  forgotten  ;  no, 
they  were  remembered,  prayed  for,  visited,  and  cxhoi-ted. 
And  no  one  took  more  interest  in  the  fate  of  these  men  than 
good  Mrs.  Condiment,  who,  having  seen  them  all  on  that 
great  night  at  Hurricane  Hall,  and  having  with  her  own 
kind  hands  plastered  their  heads  and  given  them  possets, 
could  not  drive  out  of  her  heart  a  certain  compassion  for 
their  miseries. 


264 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  OL^LAw's  DEN. 


No  one  either  admired  Father  Gray  more  than  did  the 
little  old  housekeeper  of  Hurricane  Hall,  and  as  her  table 
and  her  accommodations  were  the  best  on  the  camp-ground, 
she  often  invited  and  pressed  good  Father  Gray  to  rest  and 
refresh  himself  in  her  tent.  And  the  old  man,  though  a 
severe  ascetic,  yielded  to  her  repeated  solicitations,  until  at 
length  he  seemed  to  live  there  altogether. 

One  day  Mrs.  Condiment,  being  seriously  exercised  upon 
the  subject  of  the  imprisoned  men,  said  to  Father  Gray,  who 
was  reposing  himself  in  the  tent  : 

'^Father  Gray,  I  wished  to  speak  to  you,  sir,  upon  the 
subject  of  those  poor,  wretched  men  who  are  to  be  tried  for 
their  lives  at  the  next  term  of  the  criminal  court.  Our 
ministers  have  all  been  to  see  them,  and  talked  to  them, 
not  one  of  the  number  can  make  the  least  impression  on 
them,  or  bring  them  to  any  sense  of  their  awful  condi- 
tion/' 

Ah  !  that  is  dreadful, sighed  the  aged  mam 

Yes,  dreadful,  Father  Gray.    N"ow  I  thought  if  yoio 

would  only  visit  them,  you  could  surely  bring  them  to  rea- 

son.'' 

My  dear  friend,  I  would  v/illingly  do  so,  but  I  must 
confess  to  you  a  weakness,  a  great  weakness  of  the  flesh — I 
have  a  natural  shrinking  from  men  of  blood.  I  know  it  is 
sinful,  but  indeed  I  cannot  overcome  it.'' 

But,  my  dear  Father  Gray,  a  man  of  your  experience 
knows  full  well  that  if  you  cannot  overcome  that  feeling, 
you  should  act  in  direct  opposition  to  it.  And,  I  assure 
you,  there  is  no  danger.  Why,  even  /  should  not  be  at  all 
afraid  of  a  robber  when  he  is  double-ironed  and  locked  up 
in  a  cell,  and  I  should  enter  guarded  by  a  pair  of  turn- 
keys." 

I  know  it,  my  dear  lady,  I  know  it ;  and  I  feel  that  I 
ought  to  overcome  this  weakness  or  do  my  duty  in  its 
despite." 

* '  Yes,  and  if  you  would  consent  to  go.  Father  Gray,  I 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  outlaw's  DEN. 


265 


would  not  mind  going  with  you  myself,  if  that  would 
encourage  you  any/^ 

Of  course  it  would,  my  dear  friend  ;  and  if  you  will 
go  with  me,  and  if  the  brethren  think  that  I  could  do  any 
good,  I  will  certainly  endeavor  to  conquer  my  repugnance, 
and  visit  these  imprisoned  men/^ 

It  was  arranged  that  Father  Gray,  accompanied  by  Mrs. 
Condiment,  should  go  the  jail  upon  the  following  morn- 
ing; and  accordingly  they  set  out  immediately  after  break- 
fast. A  short  ride  up  the  mountain  brought  them  to  Tip 
Top,  in  the  centre  of  which  stood  the  jail.  It  Avas  a  simple 
structure  of  gray  stone,  containing  within  its  own  walls  the 
apartments  occupied  by  the  warden.  To  these,  Mrs.  Con- 
diment, who  was  the  leader  in  the  whole  matter,  first  pre- 
sented herself,  introducing  Father  Gray  as  one  of  the 
preachers  of  the  camp-meeting,  a  very  pious  man,  and  very 
effective  in  his  manner  of  dealing  with  hardened  offenders. 

^'^I  have  heard  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Gray,  and  his 
powerful  exhortations,^^  said  the  warden,  with  a  low  bow  ; 

and  I  hope  he  may  be  able  to  make  some  impression  on 
these  obdurate  men,  and  induce  them,  if  possible,  to  ^make 
a  clean  breast  of  it,^  and  give  up  the  retreat  of  their  band. 
Each  of  them  has  been  offered  a  free  pardon  on  condition 
of  turning  Staters  evidence,  and  each  has  refused." 

Indeed  ;  have  they  done  so,  case-hardened  creatures 
mildly  inquired  Father  Gray. 

^*Aye,  have  they!  but  you,  dear  sir,  may  be  able  to 
persuade  them  to  do  so." 

^^I  shall  endeavor — I  shall  endeavor,"  said  the  mild  old 
man. 

The  warden  then  requested  the  visitors  to  follow  him, 
and  led  the  way  up  stairs  to  the  cells. 

I  understand  that  the  criminals  are  confined  separ- 
ately ?"  said  Mr.  Gray  to  the  warden. 

"  No,  sir  ;  they  were  so  confined  at  first,  for  better 
security ;  but  as  they  have  been  very  quiet,  and  as  since 


266  A  PANIC  IN  THE  OUTLAw's  DEN. 


those  rowdies  that  disturbed  the  camp-meeting  have  been 
sent  to  prison,  and  filled  up  our  cells,  we  have  had  to  put 
those  three  robbers  into  one  cell  V' 

Vm  afraid,  I — "  began  the  minister,  hesitating. 

Father  Gray  is  nervous,  good  Mr.  Jailer  ;  I  hope 
there's  no  danger  from  those  dreadful  men — all  of  them 
together — for  I  promised  Father  Gray  that  he  should  be 
safe,  myself, said  Mrs.  Condiment. 

Oh,  ma'am,  undoubtedly ;  they  are  double-ironed," 
said  the  warden,  as  he  unlocked  a  door  and  admitted  the 
visitors  into  rather  a  darkish  cell,  in  which  were  the  three 
prisoners. 

Steve,  the  mulatto,  was  stretched  upon  the  floor  in  a 
deejp  sleep. 

Hal  was  sitting  on  the  side  of  the  cot,  twiddling  his 
fingers. 

Dick  sat  crouched  up  in  a  corner,  with  his  head  against 
the  wall. 

^"^  Peace  be  with  you,  my  poor  souls,''  said  the  mild  old 
man,  as  he  entered  the  cell. 

You  go  to  the  demon  !"  said  Dick,  with  a  hideous 
scowl. 

Nay,  my  poor  man,  I  came  in  the  hope  of  saving  you 
from  that  enemy  of  souls." 

Here's  another  !  There's  three  comes  reg'lar  !  here's 
the  fourth  !  Go  it,  old  fellow  !  We're  gettin'  used  to  it ! 
It's  gettin'  to  be  entertainin'  !  It's  the  only  diversion  we 
have  in  this  blamed  hole  !"  said  Hal. 

Nay,  friend,  if  you  use  profane  language,  I  cannot  stay 
to  hear  it,"  said  the  old  man. 

Yaiu-aiu-aw-ovf  !"  yawned  Steve,  half  rising  and 
stretching  himself.  What's  the  row  ?  I  was  just  dream- 
our  captain  had  come  to  deliver  us — yaw-aio-aiu-ooli !  it's 
only  another  parson  ?"  and  with  that,  Steve  turned  himself 
over  and  settled  to  sleep. 

My  dear  Mr.  Jailer — do  you  think  that  these  men  are 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  OUTLAw's  DEN. 


267 


safe  ? — for  if  you  do,  I  think  we  had  better  leave  excellent 
Mr.  Gray  to  talk  to  them  alone — he  can  do  them  so  much 
good,  if  he  has  them  all  to  himself/^  said  Mrs.  Condiment, 
who  was,  in  spite  of  all  her  previous  boasting,  beginning  to 
quail  and  tremble  under  the  hideous  glare  of  Demon  Dick^s 
eyes. 

^''X-no  I  n-no  !  n-no  V  faltered  the  preacher,  nervously 
taking  hold  of  the  coat  of  the  w^arden. 

You  go  along  out  of  this  I  the  whole  oi\  you.  I'm  not 
a  wild  beast  in  a  cage  to  be  stared  at  growled  Demon 
Dick,  with  a  baleful  glare  that  sent  Mrs.  Condiment  and 
the  preacher,  shuddering  to  the  cell  door. 

'^Mr.  Gray,  I  do  assure  you,  sir,  there  is  no  danger  !  the 
men  are  double-ironed,  and  malignant  as  they  may  be,  they 
can  do  you  no  harm.  And  if  you  would  stay  and  talk  to 
them  you  might  persuade  them  to  confession  and  do  the 
community  much  service,"  said  the  warden. 

I— Dm  no  coward  !    But— but— but— "  faltered  the 
old  man,  tremblingly  approaching  the  prisoners. 

'^^I  understand  you,  sir.  You  are  in  bad  health,  which 
makes  you  nervous."' 

Yes,  yes.  Heaven  forgive  me  ;  but  if  you,  Mr.  Jailer, 
and  this  good  lady  here,  will  keep  within  call,  in  case  of 
accidents,  I  don't  mind  if  I  do  remain  and  exhort  these  men, 
for  a  short  time,"  said  the  old  man. 

"  Of  course  we  will.  Come,  Mrs.  Condiment,  mum  ! 
there's  a  good  bench  in  the  lobby,  and  I'll  send  for  my  old 
woman,  and  we  three  can  have  a  good  talk  while  the  wor- 
thy Mr.  Gray  is  speaking  to  the  prisoners,"  said  the  war- 
den, conducting  the  housekeeper  from  the  cell. 

As  soon  as  they  had  gone,  the  old  man  went  to  the  door 
and  peeped  after  them,  and  having  seen  that  they  went  to 
the  extremity  of  the  lobby  to  a  seat  under  an  open  window, 
he  turned  back  to  the  cell,  and  going  up  to  Hal,  said  in  a 
low  voice  ; 

Now,  then,  is  it  possible  that  you  do  not  know  me 


268 


A  PANIC  IN  THE  OLl'LAw's  DEN. 


Hal  stopped  twiddling  liis  fingers  and  looked  up  at  tlie 
tall,  thin,  stooping  figure,  tlie  gray  hair,  the  white  eye- 
brows and  the  pale  face,  and  said  gruffly  : 

''■^^o  !  May  the  demon  fly  away  with  me  if  I  ever  saw 
you  before  V 

^'  Nor  you,  Dick  inquired  the  old  man,  in  a  mild 
voice,  turning  to  the  one  addressed. 

"iVb,  burn  you  !  nor  want  to  see  you  now  P 
Steve  !  Steye  \"  said  the  old  man,  in  a  pitiful  voice, 
waking  the  sleeper.       Don't  yoio  know  me  either  \" 

*^  Don't  bother  me,''  said  that  worthy,  giving  himself 
another  turn  and  another  settle  to  sleep. 

"  Dolts  !  blockheads  !  brutes  !  do  you  know  me  now 
growled  tlie  visitor,  changing  his  voice. 
Our  Captain!" 

^^Our  Captain  !" 

"  Our  Captain  !"  they  simultaneously  cried. 

Husli,  sink  your  souls !  Do  you  want  to  bring  the 
warden  upon  us  ?"  growled  Black  Donald,  for  it  was 
unquestionably  him  in  a  new  metamorphosis. 

Then  all  I  have  to  say.  Captain,  is  that  you  have  left 
us  here  a  blamed  long  time  !" 

And  exposed  you  to  sore  temptation  to  peach  on  me  ! 
Couldn't  help  it,  lads  !  couldn't  help  it !  I  waited  until  I 
could  do  something  to  the  pttrpose 

Now,  may  Satan  roast  me  alive  if  I  know  what  you 
have  done  to  turn  yourself  into  an  old  man  !  Burn  my 
soul !  i  f  I  should  know  you  now.  Captain,  if  it  wa'n't  for 
your  voice,"  grumbled  Steve. 

Listen,  then,  you  ungrateful,  suspicious  wretches  !  I 
did  for  you  what  no  captain  ever  did  for  his  men  before.  I 
had  exhausted  all  manner  of  disguises,  so  that  the  authori- 
ties would  almost  have  looked  for  me  in  an  old  woman's 
gown  !  See,  then,  what  I  did  :  I  put  myself  on  a  month's 
regimen  of  vegetable  diet,  and  kept  myself  in  a  cavern, 
until  I  grew  as  pale  and  thin  as  a  hermit !   Then  I  shaved 


A  PAinO  IN  THE  outlaw's  DEN. 


269 


off  my  hair,  beard,  moustaches  and  eyebrows  I  Yes,  blame 
you,  I  sacrificed  all  my  beauty  to  your  interests  !  Fate 
heljDS  those  who  help  themselves.  The  camp-meeting 
gathering  together  hosts  of  people  and  preachers,  gave  me 
the  opportunity  of  appearing  without  exciting  inquiry.  I 
put  on  ;i,  gray  wig,  a  black  suir^  assumed  a  feeble  voice, 
stooping  gait,  and  a  devout  manner,  and — became  a  popu- 
lar preacher  at  the  camp-meeting  I" 

•^Captain,  you're  a  brick  !  you  are,  indeed  !  I  do  not 
flatter  you  V'  said  Hal.  It  was  a  sentiment  in  which  all 
agreed. 

had  no  need  of  further  machination,'^  continued  the 
captain  ;  ^''they  actually  gave  me  the  game  I  I  was  urged 
to  visit  you  here — forced  to  remain  alone  and  talk  with 
you      laughed  Black  Donald. 

And  nov\^.  Captain,  my  jewel  I  my  treasure  I  my  sweet- 
heart !  that  I  love  with  '  a  love  passing  the  love  of  woman  V 
how  is  your  reverence  going  to  get  us  out  ?" 

'^Listen  I'^  said  the  Captain,  diving  into  his  pockets. 
You  must  get  yourselves  out  I — this  prison  is  by  no  means 
strongly  fastened,  or  well  guarded.  Here  are  files  to  file  off 
your  fetters  ;  here  are  tools  to  pick  the  locks,  and  here  are 
three  loaded  revolvers  to  use  against  any  of  the  turnkeys 
who  might  discover  and  attempt  to  stop  you.  To-night, 
however,  is  the  last  of  the  camp-meeting,  and  the  two  turn- 
keys are  among  7Jii/  hearers  I  I  shall  keep  them  all  night ! 
Now  you  know  what  to  do.  I  must  leave  you.  Dick,  try 
to  make  an  assault  on  me  that  I  may  scream — but  first  con- 
ceal your  tools  and  arms." 

Hal  hid  the  instruments,  and  Dick,  with  an  awful  roar, 
sprang  at  the  visitor,  who  ran  to  the  grating,  crying  : 
Help  :  help  V 

The  warden  came  hurrying  to  the  spot. 

"  Take  'im  out  o'  this,  then  1'"'  muttered  Dick,  sulkily, 
getting  back  into  his  corner. 

Oh,  what  a  wretch  ?'  said  Mrs.  Oondimeni 


270 


THE  VIOTORY  OVER  DEATH. 


^^I  shall  be  glad  when  he's  once  hanged/'  said  the 
jailer. 

'^''I — I — fear  that  I  can  do  them  but  little  good,  and — 
and  I  would  rather  not  come  again,  being  sickly  and  nerv- 
ous/'' faltered  Father  Gray. 

'^Iso,  my  dear  good  sir.  /for  one  shall  not  ask  you  to 
risk  your  precious  health  for  such  a  set  of  wretches.  They 
are  Satan's  own  !  You  shall  come  home  to  our  tent  and  lie 
down  to  rest,  and  I  will  make  you  an  egg-caudle  that  will 
set  you  up  again/'  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  tenderly,  as  the 
whole  party  left  the  cell. 

That  day  the  outrageous  conduct  of  the  imprisoned 
burglars  was  the  subject  of  conversation,  even  dividing  the 
interest  of  the  religious  excitement. 

But  tlie  next  morning  the  whole  community  was  thrown 
into  a  state  of  consternation  by  the  discovery  that  the 
burglars  had  broken  jail  and  fled,  and  that  the  notorious 
outlaw.  Black  Donald,  had  been  in  their  very  midst,  dis- 
guised as  an  elderly  field  preacher. 


CHAPTER  XXIX 

THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATH. 

.  "  *  Glory  to  God  !  to  God  I'  he  saith, 
*  Knowledge  by  suffering  entereth, 
And  life  is  perfected  in  death.'  " 

— E.  B.  Browning. 

Oke  morning,  in  the  gladness  of  his  heart,  Doctor  Day 
mounted  his  liorse  and  rode  down  to  Staunton,  gaily  refus- 
ing to  impart  the  object  of  his  ride  to  any  one,  and  bidding 
Traverse  istay  with  the  women  until  he  should  return. 


THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATH. 


2tl 


As  soon  as  tlie  doctor  was  gone.  Traverse  went  into  tlie 
library  to  arrange  his  patron^s  books  and  papers. 

Mrs.  Kocke  and  Clara  hurried  away  to  attend  to  some 
little  mystery  of  their  own  invention,  for  the  surprise  and 
delight  of  the  doctor  and  Traverse.  For  the  more  secret 
accomplishment  of  their  purpose,  ihey  had  dismissed  all 
attendance,  and  were  at  work  alone  in  Mrs.  Rockets  room. 
And  here  Clara's  sweet,  frank  and  humble  disposition  were 
again  manifest,  for  when  Marah  would  arise  from  her  seat 
to  get  anything,  Clara  would  forestall  her  purpose,  and 
say  : 

''Tell  me — tell  me  to  get  what  you  want,  just  as  if  I 
were  your  child,  and  you  will  make  me  feel  so  well — do 
now  P 

"  You  are  very  good,  dear  Miss  Clara,  but — I  would 
rather  not  presume  to  ask  you  to  wait  on  me,'^  said  Marah, 
gravely. 

''  Presume  !  what  a  word  from  you  to  me  ;  please  don^t 
use  it  ever  again,  nor  call  me  Miss  Clara.  Call  me  '  Clar:?, ' 
or  '  child,^  do,  mamma,^'  said  the  doctor's  daughter  ;  then 
suddenly  pausing,  she  blushed  and  was  silent. 

Marah  gently  took  her  hand,  and  drew  her  into  a  warm 
embrace. 

It  was  while  the  friends  were  conversing  so  kindly  in 
Marah's  room,  and  while  Traverse  was  still  engaged  in 
arranging  the  doctor's  books  and  papers,  that  one  of  the 
men-servants  rapped  at  the  library  door,  and  without  wait- 
ing permission  to  come  in,  entered  the  room  with  every 
mark  of  terror  in  his  look  and  manner. 

''What  is  the  matter?"  inquired  Traverse,  anxiously 
rising. 

"  Oh,  Mr.  Traverse,  sir  !  the  doctor's  horse  has  just 
rushed  home  to  the  stables  all  in  a  foam,  without  his 
rider." 

"  Good  Heaven  !"  exclaimed  Traverse,  starting  up  and 
seizing  his  hat;  "follow  me  immediately;  hurry  to  the 


THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATfl. 


stables  and  saddle  my  liorse^  and  bring  him  up  instantly  ! 
We  must  follow  on  the  road  the  doctor  took,  to  see  what 
has  happened  !  Stay  !  on  your  life,  breathe  not  a  word  of 
what  has  occurred  !  I  would  not  have  Miss  Day  alarmed 
for  the  world  he  concluded,  hastening  down  stairs 
attended  by  the  servant. 

In  five  minutes  from  the  time  he  left  the  library.  Tra- 
verse was  in  the  saddle,  galloping  towards  Staunton,  and 
looking  attentively  along  the  road  as  he  went.  Alas  !  he 
had  not  gone  far,  when,  in  descending  the  v/ooded  hill,  he 
saw  lying  doubled  up  helplessly  on  the  right  side  of  the 
path,  the  body  of  the  good  doctor  ! 

With  an  exclamation  between  a  groan  and  a  cry  of 
anguish.  Traverse  threw  himself  from  his  saddle  and 
kneeled  beside  the  fallen  figure,  gazing  in  an  agony  of 
anxiety  upon  the  closed  eyes,  pale  features  and  contracted 
form,  and  crying  : 

Oh,  heaven  have  mercy  !   Doctor  Day  !  oh.  Doctor 
Day  ! — can  you  speak  to  me 

The  white  and  quivering  eyelids  opened  and  the  falter- 
ing tongue  spoke : 

Traverse — get  me  home — ^that  I  may  see — Clara  before 
I  die/^ 

"  Oh,  must  this  be  so  !  must  this  be  so  !  Oh,  that  I 
could  die  for  you,  my  friend  !  my  dear,  dear  friend  \"  cried 
Traverse,  wringing  his  hands  in  such  anguish  as  he  had 
never  known  before. 

Then  feeling  the  need  of  self-control  and  the  absolute 
necessity  of  removing  the  sufferer.  Traverse  repressed  the 
swelling  flood  of  sorrow  in  his  bosom  and  cast  about  for  the 
means  of  conveying  the  doctor  to  his  house.  He  drer.ded 
to  leave  him  for  an  instant,  and  yet  it  was  necessary  to  do 
so,  as  the  servant  whom  he  had  ordered  to  follow  him,  had 
not  yet  come  up. 

While  he  was  bathing  the  doctor's  face  with  water  from 
a  little  stream  beside  the  path,  John,  the  groom,  came  riding 


THE  YICTOKY  OVER  DEATH. 

f 

along,  and  seeing  his  fallen  master,  with  an  exclamation 
of  horror,  sprang  from  his  saddle  and  ran  to  the  spot. 

John,"  said  Traverse,  in  a  heart-broken  tone,  mount 
again  and  ride  for  your  life  to  the  house  !  have — a  cart — 
yes !  that  will  be  the  easiest  conveyance  !  have  a  cart  got 
ready  instantly  with  a  feather-bed  placed  in  it,  and  the 
gentlest  horse  harnessed  to  it,  and  drive  it  here  to  the  road- 
side at  the  head  of  this  path.  Hasten  for  your  life  !  say  not 
a  word  of  what  has  happened  lest  it  should  terrify  the 
ladies  I    Quick  !  quick  !  on  your  life  \" 

Again,  as  the  man  was  hurrying  away,  the  doctor  spoke, 
faintly  murmuring  : 

''For  heaven's  sake — do  not  let — poor  Clara  be  shocked 

''No,  no,  she  shall  not  be  ;  I  warned  him,  dear  friend. 
How  do  you  feel  ? — can  you  tell  where  you  are  hurt 

The  doctor  feebly  moved  one  hand  to  his  chest  and 
whispered  : 

"  There,  and  in  my  back.'' 

Traverse,  controlling  his  own  great  mental  agony,  did 
all  that  he  could  to  soothe  and  alleviate  the  sufferings  of 
the  doctor,  until  the  arrival  of  the  cart  that  stopped  on  the 
road  at  the  head  of  the  little  bridle-i3ath  where  the  accident 
happened.  Then  John  jumped  from  the  driver's  seat  and 
came  to  the  spot  where  he  tenderly  assisted  the  young  man 
in  raising  the  doctor  and  conveying  him  to  the  cart  and  lay- 
ing him  upon  the  bed.  ITotwith standing  all  their  tender 
care  in  lifting  and  carrying  him,  it  was  but  too  evident  that 
he  suffered  greatly  in  being  moved.  Slowly  as  they  pro- 
ceeded, at  every  jolt  of  the  cart,  his  corrugated  brows  and 
blanched  and  quivering  lips  told  how  much  agony  he  silently 
endured. 

Thus  at  last  they  reached  home.  He  was  carefully 
raised  by  the  bed  and  borne  into  the  house  and  upstairs  to 
his  own  chamber,  where,  being  undressed,  he  was  laid  upon 
his  own  easy  couch.    Traverse  sent  off  for  other  medical 


274 


THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATH. 


aid,  administered  a  restorative,  and  proceeded  to  examiiio 
liis  injuries. 

'^^It  is  useless,  dear  boy,  useless  all  !  you  have  medical 
knowledge  enough  to  be  as  sure  of  that  as  I  am.  Cover 
me  up,  and  let  me  compose  myself  before  seeing  Clara,  and 
while  I  do  so,  go  you  and  break  this  news  gently  to  the 
poor  child  V'  said  the  doctor,  who,  being  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  restorative,  spoke  more  steadily  than  at  any 
time  since  his  fall. 

Traverse,  almost  broken-hearted,  obeyed  his  benefactor, 
and  vv^ent  to  seek  his  betrothed,  praying  the  Lord  to  teach 
him  how  to  tell  her  this  dreadful  calamity  and  to  support 
her  under  its  crushing  weight. 

As  he  went  slowly,  wringing  his  hands,  he  suddenly 
met  Clara  with  her  dress  in  disorder  and  her  hair  flying, 
just  as  she  had  run  from  her  room  while  dressing  for  din- 
ner.   Hurrying  towards  him,  she  exclaimed  : 

Traverse,  wJiat  has  happened  ?  for  the  good  Lord^'s 
sake  tell  me  quickly  !  the  house  is  all  in  confusion  !  every 
one  is  pale  with  affright  !  no  one  will  answer  me  !  your 
mother  just  now  ran  past  me  out  of  the  store-room,  with 
her  face  as  white  as  death  !    Oh,  what  does  it  all  mean 

Clara,  love,  come  and  sit  down,  you  are  almost  faint- 
ing— oh.  Heaven  support  us  V'  murmured  Traverse,  as  he 
led  the  poor  girl  to  the  hull  sofa. 

"  Tell  me  !  tell  me  !"  she  said. 
Clara — your  father  " 

My  father  !  Oh  no,  no  ;  do  not  say  any  harm  has  hap- 
pened to  my  father  !  do  not.  Traverse,  do  not 

Oh,  Clara,  try  to  be  firm,  dear  one  !" 

My  father  !  oh,  my  father  !  he  is  dead  shrieked 
Clara,  starting  up  wildly  to  run — she  knew  not  whither. 

Traverse  sprang  up  and  caught  her  arm,  and  drawing 
her  gently  back  to  her  seat,  said  : 

No,  dear  Clara,  no — not  so  bad  as  that !  he  is  living/' 


THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATH. 


275 


•'Oh,  thaiik  Heaven  for  so  mucli  :  --La:  ih  ir,  tlien, 
Traverse  ?    He  is  ill  ? — oh^.  let  nie  go  to  him.*' 

'•Stay,  dear  Clara  \  comp  yrurs?:-  first  1  Ton  would 
not  go  aiid  disturb  liim         f.i:  :  ^  an^  disrres-ed 

face  of  yuurs — let  me  get  you  a  glass  ot  v-ater/"  said  Tra- 
verse, starting  up  and  bringing  the  ueeded  sedative  from  an 
adjoining  room. 

'•'There,  Clara,  drink  thiit.  and  offer  a  silent  prayer  to 
Heaven  to  ^riv-  tou  self-:  n"r 


-I  v-::i  :  .h,  I  musr,  : 
verse,  is  it — is  ic     I  — 

'•  Xo,  dear  luv^-.  no  ;  n^ 
liorse  got  frightened  l:v  th 
was  going  into  the  r 

 ^And  r:-: 

Heaven  !  oli,  m 
clasping  lier  Inn 

Aerain    Trav^rs^  r.onn 


But.  roll  me,  Tra- 
ins nn_rning  and  his 
circns-comnauv  tliLit 


im 


Oh, 


nee  more 


gently  dt-tained  her, 


''You  2")romised  me  to  be  calm,  dear  Clara,  and  you 
must  be  so  before  I  can  sufTtr  you  to  see  your  father.'"'' 

Clara  sank  into  her  sent  an.d  covered  her  face  vrith  her 
hands,  miirmurino-  in  a  '  _  h  : 


I  be,  when  my  heart 
t/n>t  .'  was  he — was  he 
•  he  mnich  hurt 
- -  n  h    y  ■• n'  he  nor 


''How  can  I  be  ?  0!:,  i 
is  wild  with  grirf  and  fi-ien.r 

~oh  :  I  :  ~'  ■ 

"Cinn,,  i  V,.  i.  - 
I  yet  know  ^heir  t  ii  .jxrtjnt 
and  Qxi  i  i 

every  mu...j^:.    x..  m,-  nic:.: 
possible  for  his  rulie-fn"'' 

•'•'  Traverse,  "''  said  Clara,  vt-ry  calmly,  controlling  herself 
by  an  almost  superhuman  clf^irt  :  •'•  Traverse,  I  will  be 
comp<:s-d  ;  vuu  sindl  see  th.n  I  ^i"  :  n  he  me  to  my  dear 
fathers  bedside  ;  it  is  there  that  I  ought  to  bo  \'' 

That  is  my  dear,  brave,  dutifnl  girl  !    Come,  Clara/* 


ni  >raunron.  1  uxpeet  tnem 
le.  I  have  done  all  that  is 


276 


THE  VICTOEY  OVEK  BEA'lM. 


replied  tlie  young  man^  taking  lier  liand^  and  leading  licr 
up  to  the  bed-chambor  of  the  doctor  Tliej  met  Mrs. 
Eocke  at  the  door^  who  tearfnlly  signed  them  to  go  in  as 
she  left  it. 

When  they  entered  and  approached  the  bedside^  Tra- 
verse saw  that  the  suffering  but  heroic  father  must  have 
made  some  superlative  effort  before  he  could  have  reduced 
his  haggard  face  and  writhing  form  to  its  present  state  of 
placid  repose^  to  meet  his  daughter's  eyes  and  spare  her 
feelings. 

She,  on  her  part,  was  no  less  firm.  Kneeling  beside 
his  couch,  she  took  his  hand  and  met  his  eye  composedly 
as  she  asked  : 

Dear  father,  how  do  you  feel  now  ?" 

"Not  just  so  easy,  love,  as  if  I  had  laid  me  down  here 
for  an  afternoon's  nap,  yet  in  no  more  pain  than  I  can 
very  well  bear.'' 

Dear  father,  what  can  I  do  for  you  ?" 
*^You  may  bathe  my  forehead  and  lips  with  cologne, 
my  dear,"  said  the  doctor,  not  so  much  for  the  sake  of  the 
reviving  perfume,  as  because  he  knew  it  would  comfort 
Clara  to  feel  that  she  was  doing  something,  however  slight, 
for  him. 

Traverse  stood  upon  the  opposite  side  of  the  bed  fanning 
him. 

In  a  few  moments  Mrs.  Eocke  re-entered  the  room, 
announcing  that  the  two  old  physicians  from  Staunton, 
Doctor  Dawson  and  Doctor  Williams,  had  arrived. 

Show  them  up,  Mrs.  Eocke  ;  Clara,  love,  retire  while 
the  physicians  remain  with  me,"  said  Doctor  Day. 

Mrs.  Eocke  left  the  room  to  do  his  bidding.  And 
Clara  followed  and  sought  the  privacy  of  her  own  apart- 
ment, to  give  way  to  the  overwhelming  grief  which  she 
could  no  longer  resist. 

As  soon  as  she  was  gone  the  doctor  also  yielded  to  the 
force  of  the  suffering  that  he  had  been  able  to  endure 


THE  VICTOEY  OVER  DEATH. 


277 


silently  in  her  presence,  and  writhed  and  groaned  in  agony, 
that  wrung  the  heart  of  Traverse  to  behold. 

Presently  the  two  physicians  entered  the  room,  and 
approached  the  bed,  with  expressions  of  sincere  grief  at 
beholding  their  old  friend  in  such  a  condition,  and  a  hope 
that  they  might  sjpeedily  be  able  to  relieve  him. 

To  all  of  which  the  doctor,  repressing  all  exhibitions  of 
pain,  and  holding  out  his  hand  in  a  cheerful  manner, 
replied  : 

T  am  happy  to  see  you  in  a  friendly  way,  old  friends 
I  am  willing  also  that  you  should  try  what  you — vv-hat  yoa 
can  do  for  me — but  I  warn  you  that  it  will  be  useless.  A 
few  hours  or  days  of  inflammation,  fe  rer  and  agony  ;  then 
the  ease  of  mortification ;  then  dissolution.^' 

*^^Tut,  tut,"  said  Williams,  cheerfully,  '^v;e  never  per- 
mit a  patient  to  pronounce  a  prognosis  upon  his  own  case.^^ 
Friend,  my  horse  ran  away,  stumbled  and  fell  upon 
me,  and  rolled  over  me  in  getting  up ;  the  viscera  is 
crushed  within  me  ;  breathing  is  difiScult ;  speech  painful  ; 
motion  agonizing  ; — but  you  may  examine  and  satisfy  your- 
selves," said  Dr.  Day,  still  speaking  cheerfully,  though  with 
great  suffering. 

His  old  friends  proceeded  gently  to  the  examination, 
which  resulted  in  their  silently  and  perfectly  coinciding  in 
opinion  with  the  patient  himself. 

Then,  with  Dr.  Day  and  Traverse,  they  entered  into  a 
consultation,  and  agreed  upon  the  best  palliatives  that  conld 
be  administered ;  and  begging  that  if  in  any  manner,  pro- 
fessionally or  otherwise,  they  could  serve  their  suffering 
friend,  at  any  hour  of  the  day  or  night,  they  might  be  sum- 
moned, they  took  leave. 

As  soon  as  th^y  had  gone,  Clara,  who  had  given  way  to 
a  flood  of  tears,  ;ind  regained  her  composure,  rapped  for 
admittance. 

"  Presently,  dear  daughter,  presently,^^  said  the  doctor, 
who  then  beckoning  Traverse  to  stoop  low,  said  : 


278 


THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATH. 


Do  not  let  Clara  sit  up  with  me  to-night  ;  I  foresee  a 
night  of  great  anguish^  which  I  may  not  be  able  to  repress, 
and  which  I  would  not  have  her  witness.  Promise  you  will 
keep  her  away.^' 

I  promise,"  faltered  the  almost  broken-hearted  youth. 

You  may  admit  her  now,"  said  the  doctor,  composing 
his  convulsed  countenance  as  best  he  could,  lest  the  sight 
of  his  suffering  should  distress  his  daughter. 

Clara  entered  and  resumed  her  post  at  the  side  of  the  bed. 
Traverse  left  the  room  to  prepare  the  palliatives  for  his 
patient. 

The  afternoon  waned.  As  evening  approached,  the 
fever,  inflammation  and  pain  arose  to  such  a  degree,  that 
the  doctor  could  no  longer  forbear  betraying  his  excessive 
suffering,  which  was,  besides,  momentarily  increasing;  so 
he  said  to  Clara  : 

My  child,  you  must  now  leave  me  and  retire  to  bed. 
I  must  be  watched  by  Traverse  alone  to-night." 

And  Traverse  seeing  her  painfal  hesitation,  between 
her  extreme  reluctance  to  leave  him,  and  her  wish  to  obey 
him,  approached  and  murmured  : 

"Dear  Clara,  it  would  distress  him  to  have  you  stay; 
he  will  be  much  better  attended  by  me  alone." 

Clara  still  hesitated ;  and  Traverse,  beckoning  his 
mother  to  come  and  speak  to  her,  left  her  side. 

Mrs.  Rocke  approached  her  and  said  : 

"It  must  be  so,  dear  girl,  for  you  know  that  there  are 
some  cases  in  which  sick  men  should  be  watched  by  men 
only,  and  this  is  one  of  them.  I  myself  shall  sit  up  to-night 
in  the  next  room,  within  call." 

"  And  may  I  not  sit  there  beside  you     pleaded  Clara. 

"No,  my  dear  love  ;  as  you  can  do  your  father  no  good, 
he  desires  that  you  should  go  to  bed  and  rest.  Do  not  dis- 
tress him  by  refusing." 

"  Oh,  and  am  /  to  go  to  bed  and  sleep  while  my  dear 
father  lies  here  suffering      I  cannot  I    Oh,  I  cannot  I'' 


THE  YICTOKY  OVER  DEATH. 


279 


My  deaiv  yes^  you  must ;  and  if  you  cannot  sleep,  you 
can  be  awake  and  pray  for  liim/^ 

Here  the  doctor,  whose  agony  was  growing  unendura- 
ble, called  out  : 

''QcOy  Clara  !  go  at  once,  my  dear/' 

She  went  back  to  the  bedside  and  pressed  her  lips 
to  his  forehead,  and  put  her  arms  around  him  and  prayed  : 

'''Oh,  my  dear  father,  may  the  blessed  Saviour  take  you 
in  his  pitying  embrace  and  give  you  ease  to-night.  Your 
poor  Clara  will  pray  for  you  as  she  never  prayed  for  her- 
self r 

*'May  the  Lord  bless  you,  my  sweet  child, ^'  said  the 
doctor,  lifting  one  hand  painfully  and  laying  it  in  benedic- 
tion on  her  fair  and  graceful  head. 

Then  she  arose  and  left  the  room,  saying  to  Mrs.  Eocke 
as  she  went : 

'^Oh,  Mrs.  Eocke,  only  last  evening  we  were  so  happy  ! 
— But  if  we  have  received  good  things  at  the  hand  of  God, 
why  should  we  not  receive  evil 

Yes,  my  cliild  ;  but  remember  nothing  is  really  evil 
that  comes  from  His  good  hand,^^  said  Mrs.  Eocke,  as  she 
attended  Clara  to  the  door. 

His  daughter  had  no  sooner  gone  out  of  hearing  than 
the  doctor  gave  way  to  his  irrepressible  groans. 

At  a  sign  from  Traverse  Mrs.  Eocke  went  and  took  up 
her  position  in  the  adjoining  room. 

Then  Traverse  subdued  the  light  in  the  sick  chamber, 
arranged  the  pillows  of  the  couch,  administered  a  sedative, 
and  took  up  his  post  beside  the  bed,  where  he  continued  to 
watch  and  nurse  the  patient  with  unwearied  devotion. 

At  the  dawn  of  day,  when  Clara  rapped  at  the  door,  the 
doctor  was  in  no  condition  to  be  seen  by  his  daughter. 

Clara  was  put  off  with  some  plausible  excuse. 

After  breakfast  his  friends  the  physicians  called  and 
spent  several  hours  in  his  room.  Clara  was  told  that  she 
must  not  ctme  in  while  they  Avere  there.    And  so,  by  one 


^80 


THE  ViCTOEY  OVER  DEATH. 


means  and  another,  the  poor  girl  was  spared  from  witness- 
ing those  dreadful  agonies  which,  had  she  seen  them,  must 
have  so  bitterly  increased  her  distress. 

In  the  afternoon,  during  a  temporary  mitigation  of  pain, 
Clara  was  admitted  to  see  her  father.  But  in  the  evening 
as  his  sufferings  augmented,  she  was  again,  upon  the  same 
excuse  they  had  used  the  preceding  evening,  dismissed  to 
her  chamber. 

Then  passed  another  night  of  suffering,  during  which 
Traverse  never  left  him  for  an  instant. 

Towards  morning  the  fever  and  pain  abated,  and  he  fell 
into  a  sweet  sleep.  About  sunrise  he  awoke  quite  free  from 
suffering.  Alas  !  it  was  the  ease  he  had  predicted — the 
ease  preceding  dissolution. 

It  is  gone  forever  now.  Traverse,  my  boy,  thank  God 
my  last  hours  will  be  sufficiently  free  from  pain  to  enable 
me  to  set  my  house  in  order.  Before  calling  Clara  in,  I 
would  talk  to  you  alone.  You  will  remain  here  until  all  is 
over 

Oh,  yes,  sir  !  yes  !  I  would  do  anything  on  earth — 
anything  for  you.  I  would  lay  down  my  life  this  hour,  if 
I  could  do  so  to  save  you  from  this  bed  of  death.'" 

Nay,  do  not  talk  so  ;  3^our  life  belongs  to  others — to 
Clara  and  your  mother.  Cod  doeth  all  things  well. 
Better  the  ripened  ear  should  fall,  than  the  budding  germ. 
I  do  not  feel  it  hard  to  die,  dear  Traverse.  Though  the 
journey  has  been  very  pleasant,  the  goal  is  not  unwelcome. 
Earth  has  been  very  sweet  to  nie,  but  Heaven  is  sweeter.*' 
^'  Oh  !  but  we  love  you  so  !  we  love  you  so  !  you  have 
so  much  to  live  for  V  exclaimed  Traverse,  with  an  irrepres- 
sible burst  of  grief. 

Poor  boy,  life  is  too  hopeful  before  you  to  make  yoit 
a  comforter  by  a  deathbed.  Yes,  Traverse,  I  have  much 
to  live  for,  but  more  to  die  for.  Yet  not  voluntarily  would 
I  have  left  you,  though  I  know  that  I  leave  you  in  the 
hands  of  the  Lord,  and  with  every  blessing  and  promise  of 


THE  VICTORY  OVEE  DEATH. 


281 


his  Ijoiiai  iful  providence.  Your  love  will  console  my  child. 
My  conOdeuce  in  you  makes  me  easy  in  committing  her  to 
your  charge. 

Oil,  Doctor  Day,  may  the  Lord  so  deal  with  my  soul 
eternally,  as  I  shall  discharge  this  trust/'  said  Traverse, 
earnestly. 

T  know  you  will  be  true — I  wish  you  to  remain  here 
with  Clara  and  your  mother  for  a  few  weeks,  until  the 
child's  first  violence  of  grief  shall  be  over.  Then  you  had 
best  pursue  the  plan  we  laid  out.  Leave  your  good  mother 
here  to  take  care  of  Clara,  and  go  you  to  the  West,  get  into 
practice  there,  and  at  the  end  of  a  few  years  return  and 
marry  Clara.  Traverse,  there  is  one  promise  I  would  have 
of  you.-" 

"  I  give  it  before  it  is  named,  dear  friend,"  said  Tra- 
verse, fervently. 

My  child  is  but  seventeen  ;  she  is  so  gentle  that  her 
will  is  subject  to  that  of  all  she  loves,  especially  to  yours. 
She  will  do  anything  in  conscience  that  you  ask  her  to  do. 
Traverse,  I  wish  you  to  promise  me  that  you  will  not  press 
her  to  marriage  until  she  shall  be  at  least  twenty  years  old. 
And  " 

"  Oh,  sir,  I  promise  !  Oh,  believe  me,  my  affection  for 
Clara  is  so  pure  and  so  constant,  as  well  as  so  confiding  in 
her  faith  and  so  solicitous  for  her  good,  that,  with  the 
assurance  of  her  love,  and  the  privilege  of  visiting  her  and 
writing  to  her,  I  could  wait  many  years  if  needful.-" 

*^  I  believe  you,  my  dear  boy.  And  the  very  promise  I 
have  asked  of  you  is  as  much  for  your  sake  as  for  hers.  IN'o 
girl  can  marry  before  she  is  twenty  without  serious  risk  of 
life,  and  almost,  certain  loss  of  health  and  beauty ;  that  so 
many  do  so  is  one  reason  why  there  are  such  numbers  of 
sickly  and  faded  young  wives.  If  Clara-'s  constitution  should 
be  broken  down  by  prematurely  assuming  cares  and  burdens 
of  matrimony,  yoio  would  be  as  unfortunate  in  havii^g  a 
sickly  wife,  as  she  would  be  in  losing  her  health/' 


282 


THE  VICTORY  OVER  DEATH. 


Oh,  sir,  I  promise  you,  tliat  no  mattej  how  much  I 
may  wish  to  do  so,  I  will  not  be  tempted  to  make  a  wife  cf 
Clara,  until  she  has  attained  the  age  you  have  prescribed. 
But  at  the  same  time,  I  must  assure  you  that  such  is  my 
love  for  her,  that  if  accident  should  now  make  her  an  inva- 
lid for  life  she  would  be  as  dear — as  dear — yes,  much  dearer 
to  me  if  possible  on  that  very  account ;  and  if  I  could  not 
marry  her  for  a  wife,  I  should  marry  her  only  for  the  dear 
privilege  of  waiting  on  her  night  and  day  ! — Oh,  believe 
this  of  me,  and  leave  your  dear  daughter  with  an  easy  mind 
to  my  faithful  care  !"  said  Traverse,  with  a  boyish  blush 
suffusing  his  cheeks  and  tears  filling  his  eyes. 

''I  do.  Traverse  !    I  do  ! — and  now  to  other  things." 
"  Are  you  not  talking  too  much,  dear  friend  V 

No,  no,  I  must  talk  while  I  have  time.  I  was  about 
to  say  that  long  ago,  my  will  was  made.  Clara,  you  know, 
is  the  heiress  of  all  I  possess.  You,  as  soon  as  you  become 
her  husband,  will  receive  her  fortune  with  her.  I  have 
made  no  reservation  in  her  favor  against  you ;  for  he  to 
whom  I  can  entrust  the  charge  of  my  daughter's  person, 
happiness  and  honor,  I  can  also  intrust  with  her  fortune. ■'^ 

Dear  sir,  I  am  glad,  for  Olara^s  sake,  that  she  has  a 
fortune ;  as  for  me,  I  hope  you  will  believe  that  I  would 
have  gladly  dispensed  with  it  and  worked  for  dear  Clara  all 
the  days  of  my  life."^ 

^^I  do  believe  it.  But  this  will  was  made.  Traverse, 
three  years  ago,  before  any  of  us  anticij)ated  the  present 
relations  between  you  and  my  daughter,  and  while  you  were 
both  still  children.  Therefore,  I  appointed  my  wife^s  half 
brother,  Clara's  only  male  relative.  Colonel  Le  ISToir,  as  her 
guardian.  It  is  true,  we  have  never  been  very  intimate ; 
for  our  paths  in  life  widely  diverged ;  nor  has  my  Clara 
seen  him  within  her  recollection ;  for  since  her  mother's 
death,  which  took  place  in  her  infancy,  he  has  never  been 
at  our  house.  But  he  is  a  man  of  high  reputation  and 
excellent  character,    I  have  already  requested  Doctor  Wil- 


tHS  TiQTOMt  ormn  death. 


liamg  to  write  for  him,  so  that  I  expect  he  will  be  here  in  a 
Yery  few  days.  When  he  comes.  Traverse,  you  i^illtell  him 
that  it  is  my  desire  that  my  daughter  shall  continue  to  reside 
in  lier  present  home,  retaining  Mrs.  Eocke  as  her  matronly 
companion.  I  have  requested  Doctor  Williams  to  tell  him 
the  same  thing,  so  that  in  the  mouths  of  two  witnesses  my 
Avords  may  he  established." 

!N"ow,  Traverse  had  never  in  his  life  before  heard  the 
name  of  Colonel  Le  Noir  ;  and  therefore  was  in  no  position 
to  warn  the  dying  father  who  placed  so  much  conlidcnco 
in  the  high  reputation  of  his  brother-in-law,  that  his  trust 
was  miserably  misp]iiced — that  he  was  leaving  his  fair 
daughter  and  her  large  fortune  to  the  tender  mercies  of  an 
unscrupulous  villain  and  a  consummate  hypocrite.  So  he 
merely  promised  to  deliver  the  message  with  which  he  was 
charged  by  the  dying  father,  for  his  daughter's  guardian, 
and  added  that  he  had  no  doubt  that  Clara's  uncle  would 
consider  that  message  a  sacred  command  and  obey  it  to  the 
letter. 

As  the  sun  was  now  well  up,  the  doctor  consented  that 
Mrs.  Rocke  and  his  daughter  should  be  admitted. 

Marah  brought  with  her  some  wine-whey,  that  her 
patient  drank,  and  from  which  ho  received  temporary 
strength. 

Clara  was  pale  but  calm  ;  one  could  see  at  a  glance  that 
the  poor  girl  was  prepared  for  the  worst,  and  had  nerved 
her  gentle  heart  to  bear  it  with  patience. 

Come  hither,  my  little  Clara,"  said  the  doctor  as  soon 
as  he  had  been  revived  by  his  whey. 

Clara  came  and  kissed  his  brow,  and  sat  beside  him 
with  her  hands  clasped  in  his. 

^'  My  little  girl,  what  did  our  Saviour  die  for  ?  First 
to  redeem  us,  and  also  to  teach  us  by  his  burial  and  resur- 
rection that  death  is  but  a  falling  asleej^  in  this  world  and 
an  awakening  in  the  next.  Clara,  after  this,  when  you 
think  of  your  father,  do  not  think  of  him  as  lying  in  the 


m 


Tfi^:  Ttci^oRir  over  deatS. 


grave  ;  for  he  will  not  be  there  in  his  vacated  body,  no  mot^ 
than  he  will  be  in  the  trunk  with  his  cast-off  clothes.  As 
the  coat  is  the  body^s  covering,  so  the  body  is  the  souFs 
garment  and  it  is  the  soul  that  is  the  innermost  and  real 
man  ;  ifc  is  my  soul  that  is  me  ;  and  that  will  not  be  in  the 
earth  but  in  Heaven  !  therefore  do  not  think  of  me  gloomily 
as  lying  in  the  grave,  but  cheerfully  as  living  in  Heaven — 
as  living  there  with  God  and  Christ  and  his  saints,  and 
with  your  mother,  Clara,  the  dear  wife  of  my  youth,  who 
has  been  waiting  for  me  these  many  years.  Think  of  me 
as  being  happy  in  that  blessed  society.  Do  not  fancy  that 
it  is  your  duty  to  grieve,  but  on  the  contrary  know  that  it 
is  your  duty  to  be  as  cheerful  and  happy  as  possible.  Do 
you  heed  me,  my  daughter  ?" 

*^  Oh,  yes  !  yes,  dear  father  V  said  Clara,  heroically  re- 
pressing her  grief. 

Seek  for  yourself,  dear  child,  a  nearer  union  with 
Christ  and  God.  Seek  it,  Clara,  until  the  spirit  of  God 
shall  bear  witness  with  your  spirit  that  you  are  as  a  child  of 
God !  so  shall  you,  as  you  come  to  lie  where  I  do  now,  be 
able  to  say  of  your  life  and  death,  as  I  say  with  truth  of 
mine — The  journey  has  been  pleasant,  but  the  goal  is 
blessed  !  " 

The  doctor  pressed  his  daughter's  hand,  and  dropped 
suddenly  into  an  easy  sleep. 

Mrs.  Eocke  drew  Clara  away,  and  the  room  was  very 
still. 

Sweet,  beautiful  and  lovely  as  is  the  death-bed  of  a 
Christian,  we  will  not  linger  too  long  beside  it. 

All  day  the  good  man's  bodily  life  ebbed  gently  away. 
He  spoke  at  intervals  as  he  had  strength  given  him,  words 
of  affection,  comfort,  and  counsel  to  those  around  him. 

Just  as  the  setting  sun  was  pouring  his  last  rays  into 
the  chamber.  Doctor  Day  laid  his  hand  upon  his  child's 
head  and  blessed  her.  Then,  closing  his  eyes,  he  murmured 
softly  :   "  '  Lord  Jesus,  into  thy  hands  I  resign  my  spirit  f  " 


m 


and  with  that  sweet,  deep,  intense  smile  that  had  been  so 
lovely  in  life,  noAV  so  much  lovelier  in  death,  his  pure  spirit 
winged  its  flight  to  the  realms  of  eternal  bliss  ! 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

THE  OKPHAN". 

"  Let  me  die,  father  1  I  fear,  I  fear 
To  fall  in  earth's  terrible  strife  !" 
**  Not  so,  my  child,  for  the  crown  must  be  won 
In  the  battle-field  of  life."         — Life  and  Death. 

"  He  has  gone  to  sleep  again, said  Clara,  with  a  sigh 
of  relief. 

He  has  gone  to  Heaven,  my  child,^''  said  Marali  Rocke, 
softly. 

The  orphan  started,  gazed  wildly  on  the  face  of  the  dead, 
turned  ghastly  pale,  and  with  a  low  moan  and  suffocating 
sob,  fell  fainting  into  the  motherly  arms  of  Mrs.  Rocke. 

Marah  beckoned  Traverse,  who  lifted  the  insensible  girl 
tenderly  in  his  arms,  and  preceded  by  his  mother,  bore  her 
to  her  chamber  and  laid  her  upon  the  bed. 

Then  Marab  dismissed  Traverse  to  attend  to  the  duties 
owed  to  the  remains  of  the  beloved  departed,  v/hile  she  her- 
self staid  with  Clara,  using  every  means  for  her  restoration. 

Clara  opened  her  eyes  at  length,  but  in  reviving  to  life 
also  returned  to  grief.  Dreadful  to  witness  was  the  sorrow 
of  the  orphan  girl.  She  had  controlled  her  grief  in  the 
presence  of  her  father,  and  while  he  lingered  in  life,  only 
to  give  way  now  to  its  overwhelming  force.  Marah  remained 
with  her,  holding  her  in  her  arms,  weeping  with  her,  pray- 
ing for  her,  doing  all  that  the  most  tender  mother  could  do 
to  soothe,  console  and  strengthen  the  bleeding  young  heart. 


§86 


The  funeral  of  Dr,  Day  took  place  the  third  day  from 
his  decease,  and  ^vas  attended  by  all  the  gentry  of  the 
neighboring  town  and  the  county,  in  their  own  carriages, 
and  by  crowds  who  came  on  foot  to  i^ay  the  last  tribute  of 
respect  to  their  beloved  friend. 

He  was  interred  in  the  family  burial  ground,  situated  on 
a  wooded  hill  up  behind  the  homestead,  and  at  the  head  of 
his  last  resting-place  was  afterwards  erected  a  plain  obelisk 
of  white  marble,  with  his  name  aud  the  date  of  his  birth 
and  death,  and  the  following  inscription  : 

''He  is  not  heke,  but  is  RiSEiq-.^' 

''.When  dear  Clara  comes  to  weep  at  her  father^s  grave, 
these  words  will  send  her  away  comforted,  and  with  her 
faith  renewed, had  been  Traverse  Rocke's  secret  thought, 
when  giving  directions  for  the  inscription  of  this  inspiring 
text. 

On  the  morning  of  the  day  succeeding  the  funeral, 
while  Clara,  exhausted  by  the  violence  of  her  grief,  lay 
prostrate  upon  her  chamber  couch,  Mrs.  Rocke  and 
Traverse  sat  conversing  in  that  once  pleasant,  now  desolate, 
morning  reading  room. 

"You  know,  dear  mother,  tliat  by  the  doctor^s  desire, 
which  should  be  considered  sacred,  Clara  is  still  to  live 
here,  and  you  are  to  remain  to  take  care  of  her.  I  shall 
defer  my  journey  West,  until  everything  is  settled  to 
Clara^s  satisfaction,  and  she  has  in  some  degree  recovered 
her  equanimity.  I  must  also  have  an  interview  and  a  good 
understanding  with  her  guardian,  for  whom  I  have  a  mes. 
sage." 

"  Who  is  this  guardian  of  whom  I  have  heard  you  speak 
more  than  once.  Traverse  ?"  asked  Marah. 

"  Dear  mother,  will  you  believe  me  that  I  have  forgotten 
the  nian's  name  ;  it  was  an  uncommon  name  that  I  never 
heard  before  in  my  life,  and,  in  the  pressure  of  grief  upon 


THE  ORPHAN. 


287 


my  mind^  its  exact  identity  escaped  my  memory  ;  b  tt  that 
does  not  signify  mncli^  as  he  is  exjoected  hourly ;  and  when 
he  announces  himself,  either  by  card  or  word  of  mouth,  I 
shall  know,  for  I  shall  recognize  the  name  the  moment  I 
see  it  written  or  hear  it  spoken.  Let  me  see — it  was  some- 
thing like  Des  Moines,  De  Vaugn,  De  Sanle — or  something 
of  that  sort.  At  all  events,  I^m  sure  I  shall  know  it  again 
the  instant  I  see  or  hear  it.  And  now,  dear  mother,  I 
must  ride  up  to  Staunton  to  see  some  of  the  doctor's  poor 
sick,  that  he  left  in  my  charge  for  as  long  as  I  stay  here. 
I  shall  be  back  by  three  o^clock.  I  need  not  ask  you  to 
take  great  care  of  that  dear  suffering  girl  up-stairs,"  said 
Traverse,  taking  his  hat  and  gloves  for  a  ride. 

^'I  shall  go  and  stay  with  her  as  soon  as  she  v/akes,^^ 
answered  Mrs.  Kocke. 

And  Traverse,  satisfied,  went  his  way. 

He  had  been  gone  perhaps  an  hour,  when  the  sound  of 
a  carriage  was  heard  below  in  the  front  of  the  house,  fol- 
lowed soon  by  a  loud  rapping  at  the  hall  door. 

''  It  is  dear  Clara^s  guardian, said  Marah  Eocke,  ris- 
ing and  listening. 

Soon  a  servant  entered  and  placed  a  card  in  her  hand, 
saying  : 

The  gentleman  is  waiting  in  the  hall  below,  and 
asked  to  see  the  person  that  was  in  charge  here,  ma'am. 
So  I  fetch  the  card  to  you." 

"  You  did  right,  John.  Show  the  gentleman  up  here," 
said  Marah  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  servant  had  gone  she  looked 
at  the  card,  but  failed  to  make  it  out.  The  name  was 
engraved  in  Old  English  text,  and  in  such  a  complete 
labyrinth,  thicket  and  network  of  ornate  flourishes,  that  no 
one  who  was  not  familiar  at  once  with  the  name  and  the 
style  could  possibly  have  distinguished  it. 

I  do  not  think  my  boy  would  know  this  name  at 
sight  \"  was  Marah's  thought,  as  she  twirled  the  card  in  her 
hand,  and  stood  waiting  the  entrance  of  the  visitor,  whose 


288 


THE  ORPHAN. 


step  was  now  heard  coming  up  the  stairb  Soon  the  door 
was  thrown  open,  and  the  stranger  entered. 

Marah,  habitually  shy  in  the  presence  of  strangers, 
dropped  her  eyes  before  she  had  fairly  taken  in  the  figure 
of  a  tall,  handsome,  dark  complexioned,  distinguished  look- 
ing man  somewhat  past  middle  age,  and  arrayed  in  a  rich 
military  cloak,  and  carrying  in  his  hand  a  military  cap. 

The  servant  who  admitted  him  had  scarcely  retired, 
when  Marah  looked  up,  and  her  eyes  and  those  of  the 
stranger  met — and — 
^  ^^Maeah  Rocke  I  !  r 

"  Colonel  Le  Noie  !  ! 

Burst  simultaneously  from  the  lips  of  each. 

Le  'Noiv  first  recovered  himself,  and  holding  out  both 
hands,  advanced  towards  her  with  a  smile  as  if  to  greet  an 
old  friend. 

But  Marah,  shrinking  from  him  in  horror,  turned  and 
tottered  to  the  farthest  window,  where  leaning  her  head 
against  the  sash,  she  moaned  : 

"  Oh,  my  heart  !  my  heart  !  is  tJiis  the  wolf  to  whom 
my  lamb  must  be  committed 

As  she  moaned  these  words,  she  was  aware  of  a  soft  step 
at  her  side  and  a  low  voice  murmuring  : 

Marah  Rocke,  yes  !  the  same  beautiful  Marah  that  as 
a  girl  of  fifteen,  twenty  years  ago,  turned  my  head,  led  me 
by  her  fatal  charms  into  the  very  jaws  of  death  !  the  same 
lovely  Marah  with  her  beauty  only  ripened  by  time  and 
exalted  by  sorrow/^ 

With  one  surprised,  indignant  look,  but  without  a  word 
of  reply,  Mrs.  Rocke  turned  and  walked  composedly  towards 
the  door  with  the  intention  of  quitting  the  room. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  saw  and  forestalled  her  purpose  by 
springing  forward,  turning  the  key,  and  standing  before 
the  door. 

Forgive  me,  Marah,  but  I  must  have  a  word  with  you 


THE  ORPHAN. 


289 


before  we  pai-t/'  he  said,  in  those  soft,  sweet,  persuasive 
tones  he  knew  so  well  how  to  assume. 

Marah  remembered  that  she  was  an  honorable  matron 
and  an  honored  mother,  that  as  such,  fears  and  tremors  and 
self-distrust  in  the  presence  of  a  villain,  would  not  well 
become  her  ;  so  calling  up  all  the  gentle  dignity  latent  in  her 
nature,  she  resumed  her  seat,  and  signing  to  the  visitor  to 
follow  her  example,  she  said,  composedly  : 

Speak  on.  Colonel  Le  Noir, — remembering,  if;  you 
please,  to  luliom  you  speak.''' 

'^1  do  remember,  Marah  !  remember  but  too  well  !" 

"They  call  me  Mrs.  Rocke  who  converse  with  me,  sir." 

"  Marah,  why  this  resentment  ?  Is  it  possible  that  you 
can  still  be  angry  ?  Have  I  remained  true  to  my  attachment 
all  these  years,  aud  sought  you  throughout  the  luorld  to  find 
this  reception  at  last 

Colonel  Le  lN"oir,  if  this  is  all  you  had  to  say  it  was 
scarcely  worth  while  to  have  detained  me,"  said  Mrs.  Rocke, 
calmly. 

"  But  it  is  not  all,  my  Marah.  Yes,  I  call  you  mine  by 
virtue  of  the  strongest  attachment  man  ever  felt  for  woman. 
]\rarah  Rocke,  you  were  the  only  woman  who  ever  inspired 
me  with  a  feeling  worthy  to  be  called  a  passion  " 

"  Colonel  Le  ISToir,  how  dare  you  blaspheme  this 

house  of  mourning  by  such  sinful  words  !  You  forget  where 
you  stand  and  to  whom  you  speak." 

"  I  forget  nothing,  Marah  Rocke,  nor  do  I  violate  this 
sanctuary  of  sorrow," — here  he  sunk  his  voice  below  his 
usual  low  tones — when  I  speak  of  the  passion  that  mad- 
dened my  youth  and  withered  my  manhood — a  passion 
whose  intensity  was  its  excuse  for  all  extravagances  and 
whose  enduring  constancy  is  its  final,  full  justification." 

Before  he  had  finished  this  sentence,  Marah  Rocke  had 
calmy  arisen  and  pulled  the  bell-rope. 

"  What  mean  you  by  that,  Marah  ?"  he  inquired. 

Before  she  replied,  a  servant,  in  answer  to  the  bell,  came 


290 


THE  ORPHAN. 


to  the  door  and  tried  the  latcli;  and,  finding  it  locked, 
rapped. 

With  a  blush  that  mounted  to  his  forehead,  and  with  a 
half-suppressed  imprecation,  Colonel  Le  Noir  went  and  un- 
locked the  door,  and  admitted  the  man. 

John,''  said  Mrs.  Eocke,  quietly,  ^'  show  Colonel  Le 
Noir  to  the  apartment  prepared  for  him,  and  wait  his 
orders." 

And,  with  a  slight  nod  to  the  guest,  she  went  calmly 
from  the  room. 

Colonel  Le  Noir,  unmindful  of  the  presence  of  the  ser- 
yant,  stood  gazing  in  angry  mortification  after  her.  The 
flush  on  his  brow  had  given  way  to  the  fearful  pallor  of  rage 
or  hate,  as  he  muttered  inaudibly  ; 

Insolent  beggar  !  contradiction  always  confirms  my 
half -formed  resolutions  ;  years  ago  I  swore  to  possess  tliat 
woman,  and  I  will  do  it,  if  it  be  only  to  keep  my  oath  and 
humble  her  insolence.  She  is  very  handsome  still ;  she 
shall  be  my  slave,'' 

Then,  perceiving  the  presence  of  John,  he  said  : 
Lead  the  way  to  my  room,  sirrah,  and  then  go  and 
order  my  fellow  to  bring  up  my  portmanteau." 

John  devoutly  pulled  his  forelock  as  he  bowed  low,  and 
then  went  out,  followed  by  Colonel  Le  Noir. 

Marah  Eocke  meanwhile  had  gained  the  privacy  of  her 
own  chamber,  where  all  her  firmness  deserted  her. 

Throwing  herself  into  a  chair,  she  clasped  her  hands 
-and  sat  with  blanched  face  and  staring  eyes,  like  a  marble 
statue  of  despair. 

"  Oh,  what  shall  I  do  ?  while  this  miscreant  remains 
here  ?  this  villain  whose  very  presence  desecrates  the  roof 
and  dishonors  me  ?  I  would  instantly  leave  the  house  but 
that  I  must  not  abandon  poor  Clara. 

I  cannot  claim  the  protection  of  Traverse,  for  I  would 
not  provoke  him  to  wrath  or  run  him  into  danger  \  nor 


THE  ORPHAN. 


291 


indeed  would  I  even  permit  my  son  to  dream  sucli  a  thing 
possible  as  that  his  mother  could  receive  insult. 

'''Nor  can  I  warn  Clara  of  the  unprincipled  character 
of  her  guardian,  for  if  she  knew  him  as  he  is,  she  would 
surely  treat  him  in  such  a  way  as  to  get  his  enmity — his 
dangerous,  fatal  enmity — doubly  fatal  since  hsr  person  and 
property  are  legally  at  his  disposal.  Oh,  my  dove,  my 
dove  !  that  you  should  be  in  the  power  of  this  vulture. 
What  shall  I  do,  oh.  Heaven  !" 

Marah  dropped  on  her  knees  and  finished  her  soliloquy 
with  prayer.  Then,  feeling  composed  and  strengthened, 
she  went  to  Clara's  room. 

She  found  the  poor  girl  lying  awake  and  quietly  weep- 
ing. 

Your  ^guardian  has  arrived,  love,"  she  said,  sitting 
down  beside  the  bed  and  taking  Clara^s  hand. 

^'  Oh,  must  I  'get  up  and  dress  to  see  a  stranger  ?" 
sighed  Clara,  wearily. 

"No,  love,  you  need  not  stir  until  it  is  time  to  dress 
for  dinner  ;  it  will  answer  quite  well  if  you  meet  your 
guardian  at  table,-'''  said  Marah,  who  had  particular  reasons 
for  wishing  that  Clara  should  first  see  Colonel  Le  Noir 
with  other  company  to  have  an  opportunity  of  observing 
him  well  and  possibly  forming  an  estimate  of  his  character 
(as  a  young  girl  of  her  fine  instincts  might  well  do)  before 
she  should  be  exposed  in  a  tete-a-tete  to  those  deceptive 
blandishments  he  knew  so  well  how  to  bring  into  play. 

"  That  is  a  respite  !  Oh,  dear  Mrs.  Rocke,  you  don^t 
know  how  I  dread  to  see  any  one  !" 

^•'My  dear  Clara,  you  must  combat  grief  by  prayer, 
which  is  the  only  thing  that  can  overcome  it,'-'  said  Marah. 

Mrs.  Rocke  remained  with  her  young  charge  as  long  as 
she  possibly  could,  and  then  she  went  down  stairs  to  over- 
see the  preparation  of  the  dinner. 

And  it  was  at  the  dinner  table  that  Marah,  with  the 
quiet  and  genth  dignity  for  which  she  was  distinguished, 


292 


THE  ORPHAN. 


iutroduced  tlie  younger  members  of  the  family  to  the 
guest,  in  these  words  : 

"  Your  ward.  Miss  Day,  Colonel  Le  Noir/^ 

The  Colonel  bowed  deeply,  and  raised  the  hand  of 
Clara  to  his  lips,  murmuring  some  sweet,  soft,  silvery  and 
deferentially  inaudible  words  of  condolence,  sympathy,  and 
melancholy  pleasure,  from  which  Clara,  with  a  gentle  bend 
of  her  head,  Avithdrew  to  take  her  seat. 

Colonel  Le  Noir,  my  son.  Doctor  Eocke,^^  said  Marah, 
presenting  Traverse. 

The  colonel  stared  superciliously,  bowed  with  ironical 
depth,  said  he  was  much  honored,"  and  turning  his  back 
on  the  young  man,  placed  himself  at  the  table. 

During  the  dinner  he  exerted  himself  to  be  agreeable  to 
Miss  Day  and  Mrs.  Rocke,  but  Traverse  he  affected  to 
treat  with  supercilious  neglect,  or  ironical  deference. 

Our  young  physician  had  too  much  self-respect  to  per- 
mit himself  to  be  in  any  degree  affected  by  this  rudeness. 
And  Marah,  on  her  part,  was  glad,  so  that  it  did  not 
trouble  Traverse,  that  Le  Noir  should  behave  in  this  man- 
ner, so  that  Clara  should  be  enabled  to  form  some  correct 
idea  of  his  disposition. 

When  dinner  was  over,  Clara  excused  herself  and  retired 
to  her  room,  whither  she  was  soon  followed  by  Mrs.  Rocke. 

Well,  my  dear,  how  do  you  like  your  guardian 
asked  Marah,  in  a  tone  as  indifferent  as  she  could  make  it. 

I  do  not  like  him  at  all,"  exclaimed  Clara,  her  gentle 
blue  eyes  flashing  with  indignation  through  their  tears  ;  I 
do  not  like  him  at  all,  the  scornful,  arrogant,  supercilious 

 Oh  !  I  do  not  wish  to  use  such  strong  language,  or  to 

grow  angry  when  I  am  in  such  deep  grief;  but  my  dear 
father  could  not  have  known  this  man,  or  he  never  tuould 
have  chosen  him  for  my  guardian  !  do  you  think  he  would, 
Mrs.  Rocke  ?" 

^^My  dear,  your  excellent  father  must  have  thought 
well  of  him,  or  he  would  never  would  have  intrusted  him 


THE  OEPHAN. 


293 


witli  so  precious  a  cliarge.  Whether  your  father's  confi- 
dence in  this  man  will  be  justified  as  far  as  you  are  con- 
cerned, time  will  show.  ]\leanwhile,  my  love,  as  the  guar- 
dian ai^poiuted  by  your  father,  you  should  treat  him  with 
respect ;  but  so  far  as  reposing  any  trust  in  Mm  goes,  con- 
sult your  own  instincts 

I  shall  !  and  I  thank  heaven  that  I  have  not  got  to  go 
and  live  with  Colonel  Le  Xoir  !"  said  Clara,  fervently. 

Mrs.  Eocke  sighed.  She  remembered  that  the  arrange- 
ment that  permitted  Clara  to  live  at  her  own  home  with  her 
chosen  friends  was  but  a  verbal  one,  not  binding  upon  the 
guardian  and  executor^  unless  he  chose  to  consider  it  so. 

Their  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the  entrance  of  a 
servant  with  a  message  from  Colonel  Le  Xoir,  expressing  a 
hope  that  Miss  Day  felt  better  from  her  afternoon's  repose, 
and  desiring  the  favor  of  her  company  in  the  library. 

Clara  returned  an  answer  pleading  indisposition,  and 
begging  upon  that  account  to  be  excused. 

At  tea,  however,  the  whole  family  met  again.  As  be- 
fore. Colonel  Le  Xoir  exerted  himself  to  please  the  ladies, 
and  treated  the  young  man  with  marked  neglect.  This 
conduct  offended  Miss  Day  to  such  a  degree  that  she,  being 
a  girl  of  truth  in  thought,  wwd  and  deed,  could  only  exhibit 
towards  the  guest  the  most  freezing  politeness  that  was 
consistent  with  her  position  as  hostess,  and  she  longed  for 
the  time  to  come  that  should  deliver  their  peaceful  home 
and  loving  little  circle  from  the  unwelcome  presence  of  this 
arro2:ant  intruder. 

"How  can  he  imagine  that  I  can  be  pleased  with  his 
deference  and  courtesy  and  elaborate  compliments,  when  he 
permits  himself  to  be  so  rude  to  Traverse  ?  I  hope  Tra- 
verse will  tell  him  of  our  engagement,  which  will,  perhaps, 
suggest  to  him  the  propriety  of  reforming  his  manners, 
while  he  remains  under  a  roof  of  which  Traverse  is  the 
destined  master  !"  said  Clara  to  herself^  as  she  arose  from 


294 


THE  ORPHAN. 


the  table,  and  with  a  cold  bow,  turned  to  retire  from  the 
room. 

^'And  will  not  my  fair  ward  give  me  a  few  hours  of  her 
company  this  evening  V'  inquired  Colonel  Le  Noir,  in  an 
insinuating  voice,  as  he  took  and  pressed  the  hand  of  the 
doctor^s  orphan  daughter. 

'^Excuse  me,  sir ;  but  except  at  meal  times,  I  have  not 
left  my  room  since — here  her  voice  broke  down — she 
could  not  speak  to  him  of  her  bereavement,  or  give  way,  in 
his  presence,  to  her  holy  sorrow.  Besides,  sir,^'  she 
added,  Doctor  Eocke,  I  know,  has  expressed  to  you  his 
desire  for  an  early  interview." 

My  fair  young  friend,  Doctor  Rocke,  as  you  style  the 
young  man,  will  please  be  so  condescending  as  to  tarry  the 
leisure  of  his  most  humble  servant,"  replied  the  colonel, 
with  an  ironical  bow  in  the  direction  of  Traverse. 

''Perhaps,  sir,  when  you  know  that  Doctor  Rocke  is 
charged  with  the  last  uttered  will  of  my  dear  father,  and 
that  it  is  of  more  importance  than  you  are  prepared  to 
anticipate,  you  may  be  willing  to  favor  us  all  by  granting 
this  'young  man  '  an  early  audience,"  said  Clara. 

"  The  last  uttered  will  !  I  had  supposed  that  the  will 
of  my  late  brother-in-law  was  regularly  drawn  up  and  exe- 
cuted and  in  the  hands  of  his  confidential  attorney  at 
Staunton." 

"Yes,  sir,  so  it  is ;  but  I  refer  to  my  father's  last  dying 
wishes,  his  verbal  directions  entrusted  to  his  confidential 
friend.  Doctor  Rocke,"  said  Clara. 

"  Last  verbal  directions,  entrusted  to  Doctor  Roche. 
Humph !  humph !  this  would  require  corroborative  evi- 
dence," said  the  colonel. 

"  Such  corroborative  evidence  can  be  had,  sir,"  said 
Clara,  coldly;  '^and  as  I  know  that  Doctor  Rocke  has 
already  requested  an  interview  for  the  sake  of  an  explana- 
tion of  these  subjects,  I  must  also  join  my  own  request  to 
his,  and  assure  you  that  by  giving  him  an  early  opportunity 


THE  OEPHAN. 


295 


of  coming  to  an  understanding  with  you,  you  will  greatly 
oblige  me.'^ 

"^'Then,  undoubtedly,  my  sweet  young  friend,  your 

wishes  shall  be  commands  Eh  !  you — sir  !    Doctor — 

What^s-your  name  I — meet  me  in  the  library  at  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning/^  said  Le  Xoir,  insolently. 

"  I  have  engagements,  sir,  that  will  oceupy  me  between 
the  hours  of  ten  and  three — before  or  after  that  period  I 
am  at  your  disposal/*^  said  Traycrse,  coldly. 

"Pardieu  !  It  seems  to  me  that  /  am  placed  at 
yoiLTS  !"  replied  the  colonel,  lifting  his  eyebrows  ;  ^^but  as 
I  am  so  placed  by  the  orders  of  my  fair  little  tyrant  here, 
so  be  it  I — at  nine  to-morrow  1  am  your  most  obedient  ser- 
vant !" 

''At  nine  then,  sir,  I  shall  attend  you,"  said  Traverse, 
with  a  cold  bow. 

Clara  slightly  courtesied  and  withdrew  from  the  room, 
attended  by  Mrs.  Rocke. 

Traverse,  as  the  only  representative  of  host,  remained 
for  a  short  time  with  his  uncourteous  guest,  who,  totally 
regardless  of  his  presence,  threw  himself  into  an  arm  chair, 
lighted  a  cigar,  took  up  a  book,  and  smoked  and  read. 

Whereupon  Traverse,  seeing  this,  withdrew  to  the 
library  to  employ  himself  with  finishing  the  arranging  and 
tying  up  of  certain  papers,  left  to  his  charge  by  Doctor 
Day. 


296 


THE  OEPHAn'8  TRIAL. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

THE  ORPHAN^S  TRIAL. 

"  We  met  ere  yet  the  world  had  come 

To  wither  up  the  springs  of  youth, 
Amid  the  holy  joys  of  home, 

And  in  the  first  warm  blush  of  youth. 
We  parted  as  they  never  part 

Whose  tears  are  doomed  to  be  forgot ; 
On,  by  what  agony  of  heart, 

Forget  me  not ! — forget  me  not  !"  — Anonymous. 

At  nine  o'clock  the  next  morning  Traverse  Avent  to  the 
library  to  keep  his  tryst  with  Colonel  Le  Noir. 

Seated  in  the  doctor's  leathern  chair,  with  his  head 
thrown  back,  his  nose  erect,  and  his  white  and  jeweled  hand 
caressing  his  mustachoed  chin,  the  colonel  awaited  the 
young  man's  communication. 

With  a  slight  bow.  Traverse  took  a  chair  and  drew  it  np 
to  the  table,  seating  himself,  and  after  a  little  hesitation, 
commenced,  and  in  a  modest  and  self-respectful  manner 
announced  that  he  was  charged  with  tlie  last  verbal  in- 
structions from  the  doctor  to  the  executor  of  his  will. 

Colonel  Le  Noirleft  off  caressing  his  chin  for  an  instant, 
and  with  a  waive  of  his  dainty  hand,  silently  intimated  that 
the  young  man  should  proceed. 

Traverse  then  began  and  delivered  the  dying  directions 
of  the  late  doctor,  to  the  effect  that  his  daughter  Clara  Day 
should  not  be  removed  from  her  paternal  mansion,  but  that 
she  should  be  suffered  to  remain  there,  retaining  as  a 
matronly  companion,  her  old  fiiond  Mrs.  Marah  Rocke. 

Umm  !  umm  !  very  ingenious,  upon  my  word,^'  com- 
mented the  colonel,  still  caressing  his  chin. 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


297 


''I  liave  now  delivered  my  whole  message,  sir,  and  have 
only  to  add  that  I  hope,  for  Miss  Day's  sake,  there  will  be 
no  difficulty  thrown  in  the  way  of  the  execution  of  her 
father's  last  wishes,  which  are  also,  sir,  very  decidedly  her 
own/'  said  Traverse. 

Umm— doubtless  they  are — and  also  yours  and  your 
worthy  mother's." 

Sir,  Miss  Day's  will  in  this  matter  is  certainly  mme. 
Apart  from  the  consideration  of  her  pleasure,  7m/  wishes 
need  not  be  consulted.  As  soon  as  I  have  seen  Miss  Day 
made  comfortable,  I  leave  for  the  far  west,"  said  Traverse, 
with  much  dignity. 

Umm — and  leave  mamma  here  to  guard  the  golden 
prize  until  your  return,  eh  ?"  sneered  the  colonel. 

Sir,  I  do  not — wish  to  understand  you,"  said  Traverse 
with  a  flushed  brow. 

Possibly  not,  my  excellent  young  friend,"  said  the 
colonel,  ironically  ;  then  rising  from  his  chair  and  elevating 
his  voice  he  cried — But  /,  sir,  understand  yotc  and  your 
mother  and  your  pretty  scheme,  perfectly  !  Very  ingenious 
invention  these  ^  last  verbal  instructions."*  Very  pretty  plan 
to  entrap  an  heiress  j  but  it  shall  not  avail  you — adven- 
turers that  you  are  ? — This  afternoon,  Sauter,  the  confiden- 
tial attorney  of  my  late  brother-in-law,  will  be  here  with 
the  will,  which  shall  be  read  in  the  presence  of  the  assem- 
bled household.  If  these  hist  verbal  directions  are  to  be 
found  duplicated  in  the  will,  very  good  !  they  shall  be 
obeyed  ! — if  not,  they  shall  be  discredited," 

Daring  this  speech.  Traverse  stood  with  kindling  eyes 
and  blazing  cheeks,  scarcely  able  to  master  his  indignation  ; 
yet,  to  his  credit  be  it  spoken,  he  did  *  rnle  his  own  spirit' 
and  reply  with  dignity  and  calmness. 

Colonel  Le  Noir,  my  testimony  in  regard  to  the  last 
wishes  of  Dr.  Day  can,  if  necessary,  be  supported  by  other 
evidence — though  I  do  not  believe  that  any  man  who  did 


298 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


not  Mmself  act  in  habitual  disregard  of  truth,  would 
"wantonly  question  the  veracity  of  another,^' 

"  Sir  ! — this  to  me  V*  exclaimed  Le  ^N'oir,  growing  white 
with  rage,  and  making  a  step  towards  the  young  man. 

Yes,  Colonel  Le  Noir,  that  to  you  I  and  this  in  addi- 
tion : — you  have  presumed  to  charge  my  mother  (in  con- 
nection with  myself)  with  being  an  adventuress  !  with 
forming  dishonorable  ^  schemes  !'  and  in  so  charging  her. 
Colonel  Le  Noir,  you  utter  a  falsehood" 

Sirrah  !"  cried  Le  Noir,  striding  towards  Traverse 
and  raising  his  hand  over  his  head — with  a  fearful  oath — 
retract  your  words,  or  " 

Traverse  calmly  drew  himself  up,  folded  his  arms,  and 
replied  coolly  : 

"  I  am  no  brawler.  Colonel  Le  Noir  ;  the  pistol  and  the 
bowie-knife  are  as  strange  to  my  hands  as  abusive  epithets 
and  profane  language  are  to  my  lips  ;  nevertheless,  instead 
of  retracting  my  words,  I  repeat  and  reiterate  them.  If 
you  charge  my  mother  with  conspiracy,  you  utter  a  false- 
hood.   As  her  son,  I  am  in  duty  bound  to  say  as  much." 

"  Villain  \"  gasped  Le  ISToir,  shaking  his  fist  and 
choking  with  rage  ;  villain  1  you  shall  repent  this  in 
every  vein  of  your  body  V* 

Then  seizing  his  hat,  he  strode  from  the  room. 

"  Boaster  V'  said  Traverse  to  himself,  as  he  also  left  the 
library  by  another  door. 

Clara  was  waiting  for  him  in  the  little  parlor  below. 
Well,  well,  dear  Traverse  V  said  she,  as  he  entered. 
^*  You  have  had  the  explanation  with  my  guardian,  and — 
he  makes  no  objection  to  carrying  out  the  last  directions  of 
my  father,  and  our  own  wishes  ? — he  is  willing  to  leave  me 
here  r 

My  dear  girl.  Colonel  Le  Noir  defers  all  decision  until 
the  reading  of  the  will,  which  is  to  take  place  this  after- 
noon,'' said  Traverse,  unwilling  to  add  to  her  distress  by 


THE  ORPHA^^'s  TRIAL. 


299 


recountiug  the  disgraceful  scene  that  had  just  taken  place 
in  the  library. 

Oh  I  these  delays  I  tlieso  delays  !  Heaven  give  me 
patience  !  Yet  I  do  not  know  why  I  should  be  so  uneasy  I 
It  is  only  a  form  I  Of  course,  he  will  regard  my  father's 
wishes.'"'* 

I  do  not  see  Avell  how  he  can  avoid  doing  so^  espe- 
cially as  Doct'>r  Williams  is  another  witness  to  them,  and  I 
shall  request  the  doctor's  attendance  here  this  afternoon. 
Dear  Clara,  k-ep  up  yuur  spirits  I  A  few  hours,  now,  and 
all  will  be  well,''  said  Traverse,  as  he  drew  on  his  gloves 
and  took  his  liLit  to  go  on  his  morning  round  of  calls. 

An  early  dinner  was  ordered,  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
ample  time  in  the  afternoon  for  the  reading  of  the  will. 

Owing  to  the  kindly  forbearance  of  each  member  of 
this  little  family,  their  meeting  with  their  guest  at  the 
table  was  not  so  awkward  as  it  might  have  been  rendered. 
Mrs.  Rocke  had  concealed  the  insults  that  had  been  offered 
her.  Traverse  had  said  nothing  of  the  affronts  put  npon 
him.  So  that  each,  having  only  their  own  private  injuries 
to  resent,  felt  free  in  forbearing.  Nothing  but  this  sort 
of  prudence  on  the  part  of  individuals  rendered  their  meet- 
ing around  one  board  possible. 

While  they  were  still  at  the  table,  the  attorney,  Mr. 
Sauter,  with  Doctors  Williams  and  Dawson,  arrived,  and 
was  shown  into  the  library. 

And  very  soon  after  the  dessert  was  put  upon  the  table, 
the  family  left  it,  and,  accompanied  by  Colonel  Le  ISToir, 
adjourned  to  the  library.  After  the  usual  salutations,  t^ey 
arranged  themselves  along  each  side  of  an  extension  table, 
at  the  head  of  which  the  attorney  placed  himself. 

In  the  midst  of  a  profound  silence  the  will  was  opened 
and  read.    It  was  dated  three  years  before. 

The  bulk  of  his  estate,  after  the  paying  a  few  legacies, 
was  left  to  his  esteemed  brother-in-law,  Gabriel  Le  ISToir,  in 
trust  for  his  only  daughter,  Clara  Day,  until  the  latter 


300 


THE  OEPIIAN*S  TEIAL. 


should  fittain  tlio  age  of  twenty-one,  at  which  period  she 
was  to  come  into  possession  of  the  |)roperty.  Then  fol- 
lowed the  distribution  of  the  legacies.  x\mong  the  rest  the 
sum  of  a  thousand  dollars  left  to  his  young  friend.  Traverse 
Rocke,  and  another  thousand  to  his  esteemed  neighbor, 
Marali  Rocke.  Gabriel  Le  Noir  was  appointed  sole  execu- 
tor of  the  will,  trustee  of  the  property,  and  guardian  of  the 
heiress. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  reading  Mr.  Sauter  folded  the 
document  and  laid  it  upon  the  table. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  arose,  and  said : 
The  will  of  the  late  Doctor  Day  has  been  read  in  your 
presence.  I  presume  you  all  heard  it,  and  that  there  can 
be  no  mistake  as  to  its  purport.  All  that  remains  now  is 
to  act  upon  it.  I  shall  claim  the  usual  privilege  of  twelve 
months  before  administering  upon  the  estate  or  paying  the 
legacies.  In  the  meantime,  I  shall  assume  the  charge  of 
my  ward^s  person,  and  convey  her  to  my  own  residence, 
known  as  the  Hidden  House.  Mrs.  Rocke,"  he  said,  turn- 
ing towards  the  latter,  your  presence  and  that  of  your 
young  charge  is  no  longer  required  here.  Be  so  good  as  to 
prepare  Miss  Day^s  traveling  trunks,  as  we  set  out  from 
this  place  to-morrow  morning.-'^ 

Mrs.  Rocke  started,  looked  wistfully  in  the  face  of  the 
speaker,  and  seeing  that  he  was  in  determined  earnest, 
turned  her  appealing  glances  toward  Traverse  and  Doctor 
Williams. 

As  for  Clara,  her  face,  previously  blanched  with  grief, 
was  now  flushed  with  indignation.  In  her  sudden  distress 
and  i^erplexity,  she  knew  not  at  once  what  to  do.  Whether 
to  utter  a  protest  or  continue  silent — whether  to  leave  the 
room  or  remain.  Her  embarrassment  was  relieved  by 
Traverse,  who,  stooping,  whispered  io  her  : 

Be  calm,  love  ;  all  shall  be  well.  Doctor  Williams  is 
about  to  speat." 


THE  OKPHAn's  trial. 


301 


And  at  that  moment  indeed  Doctor  Williams  arose,  and 
said  : 

"  I  have,  Colonel  Le  ISToir,  to  endorse  a  dying  message 
from  Doctor  Day,  entrusted  to  my  young  friend  here  to  be 
delivered  to  you,  to  the  effect  that  it  was  his  last  desire  and 
request  that  his  daughter,  Miss  Clara  Day,  should  be  per- 
mitted to  reside  during  the  term  of  her  minority  in  this  her 
patrimonial  home,  under  the  care  of  her  present  matronly 
friend,  Mrs.  Marah  Rocke.  Doctor  Eocke  and  myself  are 
here  to  bear  testimony  to  these,  the  last  wishes  of  the  de- 
parted— which  wishes,  I  believe,  also  express  the  desires  of 
his  heiress.^' 

'^Oh,  yes!  yes  P  said  Clara,  earnestly.  do  very 
much  desire  to  remain  in  my  own  home  among  my  own 
familiar  friends.  My  dear  father  only  consulted  my  comfort 
and  happiness  when  he  left  these  instructions." 

There  can  be  therefore  no  reason  why  Mi^ss  Day  should 
be  disturbed  in  her  present  home,^'  said  Traverse. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  smiled  grimly,  saying  : 
I  am  sorry,  Doctor  Williams,  to  differ  with  you,  or  to 
distress  Miss  Day  !  But  if,  as  she  says,  her  lamented  father 
consulted  her  pleasure,  in  those  last  instructions,  he  certainly 
consulted  nothing  else — not  the  proprieties  of  convention- 
alism, the  opinion  of  the  world,  nor  the  future  welfare  of 
his  daughter.  Therefore,  as  a  man  of  Doctor  Day^s  high 
position  and  character,  in  his  sane  moments,  never  eould 
have  made  such  a  singular  arrangement,  I  am  forced  to  the 
conclusion  that  he  could  not,  at  the  time  of  giving  those 
instructions,  have  been  in  his  right  mind.  Consequently, 
I  cannot  venture  to  act  upon  any  '  verbal  instructions,' 
however  well  attested,  but  shall  be  guided  in  every  respect 
by  the  will,  executed  while  yet  the  testator  was  in  sound 
body  and  mind." 

"Doctor  Eocke  and  myself  are  both  physicians  compe- 
tent to  certify  that,  at  the  time  of  leaving  these  directions. 


302 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


our  respected  friend  was  perfectly  sound  in  mind  at  least," 
said  Doctor  Williams. 

That,  sir,  I  repeat,  I  contest.  And  acting  upon  the 
authority  of  the  will,  I  shall  proceed  to  take  charge  of  my 
ward  as  well  as  of  her  estate.  And  as  1  think  this  house, 
under  all  the  circumstances,  a  very  improper  place  for  her 
to  remain,  I  shall  convey  her  without  delay  to  my  own  home. 
Mrs.  Rocke,  I  believe  I  requested  you  to  see  to  the  packing 
of  Miss  Day^s  trunks." 

"  Oh,  heaven,  s?iall  this  wrong  be  permitted,"  ejaculated 
Marah. 

"  Mrs.  Rocke,  I  will  not  go  unless  absolutely  forced  to 
do  so  by  a  decree  of  the  court !  I  shall  get  Doctor  Williams 
to  make  an  appeal  for  me  to  the  Orphan's  Court,"  said 
Clara,  by  way  of  encouraging  her  friend. 

''My  dear  Miss  Day,  that,  I  hope,  will  not  be  required. 
Colonel  Le  Noir  acts  under  a  misapprehension  of  the  cir- 
cumstances. *We  must  enter  into  more  explanations  with 
him.  In  the  meantime,  my  dear  young  lady,  it  is  better 
that  you  should  obey  him,  for  the  present,  at  least,  so  far 
as  retiring  from  the  room,"  said  Doctor  Williams. 

Clara  immediately  arose,  and  requesting  Mrs.  Rocke  to 
accompany  her,  withdrew  from  the  library. 

Doctor  Williams  then  said  : 

''  I  advised  the  retirement  of  the  young  lady,  liaving  a 
communication  to  make,  the  hearing  of  which  in  a  mixed 
company,  might  have  cost  her  an  innocent  blush.  But 
first  I  would  ask  you.  Colonel  Le  Noir — what  are  those 
circumstances  to  which  you  allude  which  render  Miss  Day's 
residence  here,  in  her  patrimonial  mansion  with  her  old 
and  faithful  friends,  so  improper  ?"  inquired  Doctor 
Williams,  courteously. 

(( The  growing  intimacy,  sir,  between  herself  and  a  very 
objectionable  party — this  young  man  Rocke  !"  replied  Col- 
onel Le  Noir. 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


303 


Ah  !  and  is  that  all  V 

"It  is  enough,  sir  I"  said  Colonel  Le  Noii%  loftily. 
Then,  suppose  I  should  inform  you,  sir,  that  this 
young  man,  Doctor  Eocke,  was  brought  up  and  educated 
at  Doctor  Day's  cost,  and  under  his  own  immediate  eye  V 

^'^Then,  sir,  you  would  only  inform  me  that  an  eccen- 
tric gentleman  of  fortune  had  done — what  eccentric  gentle- 
men of  fortune  luill  sometimes  do — educated  a  pauper." 

At  this  opprobious  epithet.  Traverse,  with  flushed  face 
started  to  his  feet. 

Sit  down,  my  boy,  sit  down  ;  leave  me  to  deal  with 
this  man,"  said  Doctor  Williams,  forcing  Traverse  back 
into  his  seat.    Then  turning  to  Colonel  Le  Noir,  he  said  : 

"  But,  suppose,  sir,  that  such  was  the  estimation  in 
which  Doctor  Day  held  the  moral  and  intellectual  worth 
of  his  young  protegee,  that  he  actually  gave  him  his 
daughter  ?" 

'^I  cannot  suppose  an  impossibility.  Doctor  Williams," 
replied  Colonel  Le  Noir,  haughtily. 

"Then,  sir,  I  have  the  pleasure  of  startling  you  a  little 
by  a  prodigy,  that  you  denominate  an  impossibility  !  Clara 
Day  and  Traverse  Rocke  were  betrothed  with  full  knowledge 
and  cordial  approbation  of  the  young  lady's  father  !" 

"  Impossible  !  preposterous  !  I  shall  countenance  no 
such  ridiculous  absurdity  !"  said  Colonel  Le  ISToir,  growing 
red  in  the  face. 

"  Miss  Day,  Doctor  Rocke,  Mrs.  Rocke,  and  myself  are 
witnesses  to  that  fact." 

"  The  young  lady  and  the  young  man  are  parties  imme- 
diately concerned — they  cannot  be  received  as  witnesses  in 
their  own  case  ;  Mrs.  Rocke  is  too  much  in  their  interest  for 
her  evidence  to  be  taken ;  you,  sir,  I  consider  the  dupe  of 
these  cunning  conspirators — mother  and  son,"  replied  Colo- 
nel Le  Noir,  firmly. 

"  Tut,"  said  Doctor  Williams,  almost  out  of  patience, 
"  I  do  not  depend  upon  the  words  of  Miss  Day  and  her 


304 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


friends,  although  I  hold  their  veracity  to  be  above  question  ; 
I  had  Doctor  Day's  dying  words  to  the  same  effect.  And  he 
mentioned  the  existing  betrothal  as  the  very  reason  why 
Clara  should  remain  here  in  the  care  of  her  future  mother- 
in-law." 

Then,  sir,  that  the  doctor  should  have  spoken  and 
acted  thus,  is  only  another  and  a  stronger  reason  for  believ- 
ing him  to  have  been  deranged  in  his  last  moments  !  You 
need  give  yourself  no  farther  trouble  !  I  shall  act  upon  the 
authority  of  this  instrument  which  I  hold  in  my  hand," 
replied  Colonel  Le  I^"oir,  haughtily. 

Then,  as  the  depository  of  the  dying  man's  last  wishes 
and  as  the  next  friend  of  his  injured  daughter,  I  shall 
make  an  appeal  to  the  Orphans'  Court,"  said  Doctor  Wil- 
liams, coldly. 

''You  can  do  as  you  please  about  that;  but  in  the 
meanwhile,  acting  upon  the  authority  of  the  will,  I  shall  to- 
morrow morning  set  out  with  my  ward  for  my  own  home." 

''There  may  be  time  to  arrest  that  journey,"  said  Doc- 
tor Williams,  arising  and  taking  his  hat  to  go. 

In  the  passage  he  met  Mrs.  Eocke. 

"  Dear  Doctor  Williams,"  said  Mrs.  Eocke,  earnestly, 
"pray  come  up  to  poor  Clara's  room,  and  speak  to  her,  if 
you  can  possibly  say  anything  to  comfort  her  ;  she  is  weep- 
ing herself  into  a  fit  of  illness  at  the  bare  thought  of  being, 
so  soon  after  her  dreadful  bereavement,  torn  away  from 
her  home  and  friends." 

"  Tut !  tut  !  no  use  in  weeping  !  all  will  yet  be  right  !" 

"You  have  persuaded  that  man  to  permit  her  to  remain 
here,  then  ?"  said  Marah  gladly. 

" Persuaded  Am no,  nor  even  undertaken  to  do  so! 
I  never  saw  him  before  to-day,  yet  I  would  venture  to  say, 
from  what  I  have  now  seen  of  him,  that  he  never  was  per- 
suaded by  any  agent  except  his  own  passions  and  interests, 
to  any  act  whatever.  !N"o,  I  have  endeavored  to  show  him 
that  we  have  law  as  well  as  justice  on  our  side,  and  even 


THE  orphan's  TKIAL. 


305 


now  I  am  afraid  I  shall  have  to  take  the  case  before  the 
Orphans'  Court  before  I  can  convince  him.  He  purposes 
removing  Clara  to-morrow  morning.  I  will  endeavor  to 
see  the  Judge  of  the  Orphans'  Court  to-night,  take  out  a 
habeas  corpus,  ordering  Le  Noir  to  bring  his  ward  into 
court,  and  serve  it  on  him  as  he  passes  through  Staunton 
on  his  way  home." 

'^But  is  there  no  way  of  preventing  him  from  taking 
Clara  away  from  the  house  to-morrow  morning 

No  good  way.  No,  Madam,  it  is  best  that  all  things 
should  be  done  decently  and  in  order.  I  advise  you,  as  I 
shall  also  advise  my  young  friends.  Traverse  and  Clara,  not 
to  injure  their  own  cause  by  unwise  impatience  or  opposition. 
We  should  go  before  the  Orphans'  Court  with  the  very  best 
aspect.'' 

Come,  then,  and  talk  to  Clara.  She  has  the  most 
painful  antipathy  to  the  man  who  claims  the  custody  of  her 
person,  as  well  as  the  most  distressing  reluctance  to  leaving 
her  dear  home  and  friends  ;  and  all  this,  in  addition  to  her 
recent  heavy  affliction,  almost  overwhelms  the  poor  child," 
said  Mrs.  Rocke,  weeping. 

"  I  will  go  at  once  and  do  what  I  can  to  soothe  her," 
said  Doctor  Williams,  following  Mrs.  Eocke,  who  led  him 
up  to  Clara's  room. 

They  found  her  prostrate  upon  her  bed,  crushed  with 
grief. 

Come,  come,  my  dear  girl,  this  is  too  bad  !  It  is  not 
like  the  usual  noble  fortitude  of  our  Clara,"  said  the  old 
man,  kindly  taking  her  hand. 

*'0h.  Doctor, . forgive — forgive  me!  but  my  courage 
must  have  been  very  small,  for  I  fear  it  is  all  gone.  But 
then,  indeed,  everything  comes  on  me  at  once.  My  dear, 
dear  father's  death  ;  then  the  approaching  departure  and 
expected  long  absence  of  Traverse  !  All  that  was  grievous 
enough  to  bear  ;  and  now  to  be  torn  away  from  the  home 
of  my  childhood,  and  from  the  friend  that  has  always  been 


306 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


a  mother  to  me,  and  bj  a  man,  from  whom  every  true,  good 
instinct  of  my  nature  teaches  me  to  shrink.  I,  who  have 
always  had  full  liberty  in  the  house  of  my  dear  father,  to  be 
forced  away  against  my  will  by  this  man,  as  if  I  were  his 
slave  V'  exclaimed  Clara,  bursting  into  fresh  tears  of  indig- 
nation and  grief. 

Clara,  my  dear,  dear  girl  !  this  impatience  and  rebel- 
lion is  so  unlike  your  gentle  nature,  that  I  can  scarcely  rec- 
ognize you  for  the  mild  and  dignified  daughter  of  my  old 
friend  !  Clara,  if  the  saints  in  Heaven  could  grieve  at  any- 
thing, I  should  think  your  dear  father  would  be  grieved  to 
see  you  thus  !"  said  the  old  man  in  gentle  rebuke,  that 
immediately  took  effect  upon  the  meek  and  conscientious 
maiden. 

"  Oh  !  I  feel — I  feel  that  I  am  doing  very  wrong,  but  I 
cannot  help  it.  I  scarcely  know  myself  in  this  agony  of 
mingled  grief,  indignation  and  terror,  yes,  terror,  for  every 
instinct  of  my  nature  teaches  me  to  distrust  and  fear  that 
man,  in  whom  my  father  must  have  been  greatly  deceived 
before  he  could  have  intrusted  him  with  the  guardianship 
of  his  only  child  V* 

think  that  quite  likely, said  the  old  man,  '^yet, 
my  dear,  even  in  respect  to  your  dear  father^s  memory,  you 
must  try  to  bear  this  trial  patiently.^^ 

Oh,  yes  !  I  know  I  must !  Dear  father,  if  you  can 
look  down  and  see  me  now,  forgive  your  poor  Clara,  her 
anger  and  her  impatience.  She  will  try  to  be  wortliy  of 
the  rearing  yoa  have  given  her,  and  to  bear  even  this  great 
trial,  with  the  spirit  worthy  of  your  daughter  said  Clara, 
within  her  own  heart,  then  speaking  up,  she  said,  "  You 
shall  have  no  more  reason  to  reprove  me,  Doctor  Wil- 
liams." 

That  is  my  brave  girl  !  That  is  my  dear  Clara  Day  ! 
And  now,  when  your  guardian  directs  you  to  prepare  your- 
self for  your  journey,  obey  liim — go  with  him  without  mak- 
ing any  objection.    I  purpose  to  arrest  your  journey  at 


THE  oepban's  trial. 


307 


Staunton  with  a  habeas  cor^ous  that  he  dare  not  resist,  and 
which  shall  compel  him  to  bring  you  into  the  Orphans' 
Court  !  There  our  side  shall  be  heard,  and  the  decision 
will  rest  with  the  Judge/'' 

And  all  will  be  well  !  Oh,  say  that,  sir  !  to  give  me 
the  courage  to  act  with  becoming  docility,"  pleaded  Clara. 

I  have  not  a  doubt  in  this  world  that  it  ivill  all  be 
right !  for  however  Colonel  Le  Noir  may  clioose  to  disre- 
gard the  last  wishes  of  your  father,  as  attested  by  myself 
and  young  Kocke,  I  have  not  the  least  idea  that  the  judge 
will  pass  them  over  !  On  the  contrary,  I  feel  persuaded 
that  he  will  confirm  them  by  sending  you  back  here  to 
your  beloved  home." 

'*0h,  may  heaven  grant  it,"  said  Clara.  ''You  do 
indeed  give  me  new  life  !" 

"  Yes,  yes,  be  cheerful,  my  dear  ;  trust  in  Providence, 
and  expect  nothing  short  of  the  best.  And  now  I  dare  not 
tarry  longer  with  you,  for  I  must  see  the  judge  at  his  house 
this  night !  Good-bye,  my  dear  !  keep  up  a  good  heart !" 
said  the  old  man,  cheerfully,  pressing  her  hand  and  taking 
his  leave. 

Mrs.  Rocke  accompanied  him  to  the  hall-door. 

''  My  dear  Madam,  keep  up  your  spirits  also  for  the 
sake  of  your  young  charge  !  Make  her  go  to  bed  early  ! 
To-morrow,  when  she  thinks  she  is  about  to  be  torn  from 
you  forever,  remind  her  in  her  ear  that  I  shall  meet  the 
carriage  at  Staunton  with  a  power  that  shall  turn  the 
horses'  heads." 

And  so  saying,  the  worthy  old  gentleman  departed. 

As  Marah  Rocke  looked  after  him,  she  also  saw  with 
alarm  that  Colonel  Le  ISToir  had  mounted  his  horse  and 
galloped  off  in  the  direction  of  Staunton,  as  if  impelled  by 
the  most  urgent  haste. 

She  returned  to  the  bedside  of  Clara,  and  left  her  no 
more  that  night.  As  the  colonel  did  not  return  to  supper, 
they,  the  family  party,  had  their  tea  in  Clara^s  room. 


308 


THE  ORPHAN  S  TRIAL. 


Late  at  night  Mrs.  Rocke  heard  Colonel  Le  ISToir  come 
into  the  house  and  enter  his  chamber. 

Poor  Clara  slept  no  more  that  night ;  anxiety,  despite 
of  all  her  efforts,  kept  her  wide  awake.  Yet,  though 
anxious  and  wakeful,  yet  by  prayer  and  endeavor  she  had 
brought  her  mind  into  a  patient  and  submissiye  mood,  so 
that  when  a  servant  knocked  at  her  door  in  the  morning 
with  a  message  from  Colonel  Le  Noir  that  she  should  be 
ready  to  set  forth  immediately  after  breakfast,  she  replied 
that  she  should  obey  him,  and  without  delay  she  arose  and 
commenced  her  toilet. 

All  the  family  met  for  the  last  time  around  the  board. 
The  party  was  constrained.  The  meal  was  a  gloomy  one. 
On  rising  from  the  table  Colonel  Le  Noir  informed  his 
ward  that  his  traveling  carriage  was  waiting,  and  that  her 
baggage  was  already  on,  and  requested  her  to  put  on  her 
bonnet  and  mantle,  and  take  leave  of  her  servants. 

Clara  turned  to  obey.  Traverse  went  to  her  side,  and 
whispered  : 

Take  courage,  dear  love  ;  my  horse  is  saddled  ;  I  shall 
ride  in  attendance  upon  the  carriage,  whether  that  man 
likes  it  or  not ;  nor  lose  sight  of  you  for  one  moment  until 
we  meet  Williams  with  his  habeas  corpus" 

'^Nor  even  then,  dear  Traverse  !  nor  even  then  !  You 
will  attend  me  to  the  court  and  be  ready  to  take  me  back 
to  this  dear,  dear  home  \"  murmured  Clara,  in  reply. 

Yes,  yes,  dear  girl.  There,  be  cheerful,"  whispered 
the  young  man,  as  he  pressed  her  hand  and  released  it. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  had  been  a  silent  but  frownirg  spectator 
of  this  little  scene,  and  now  that  Clara  was  leaving  the 
room,  attended  by  Mrs.  Rocke,  he  called  the  latter  back, 
saying  : 

"  You  will  be  so  kind  as  to  stop  here  a  moment,  Mrs. 
Rocke,  and  you  also,  young  man." 

The  mother  and  son  paused  to  hear  what  he  should  have 
to  say. 


THE  OEPHAn's  trial. 


309 


^'  1  believe  it  is  the  custom  here,  in  discharging  domes- 
tics^ to  give  a  month^s  warning,  or_,  in  lieu  of  that,  to  pay  a 
month^s  wages  in  advance.  There,  woman,  is  the  money. 
You  will  oblige  me  by  leaving  the  house  to-day,  together 
with  your  son  and  all  your  other  trumpery — as  the  premises 
are  put  in  charge  of  an  agent,  who  will  be  here  this  after- 
noon, clothed  with  authority  to  eject  all  loiterers  and  in- 
truders." 

While  the  colonel  spoke,  Marah  Rocke  gazed  at  him  in 
a  panic  from  which  she  seemed  unable  to  rouse  herself,  until 
Traverse  gravely  took  her  hand,  saying  ; 

"My  dear  mother,  let  me  conduct  you  from  the  pres- 
ence of  this  man,  who  does  not  know  how  to  behave  him- 
self towards  women.  Leave  me  to  talk  with  him,  and  do 
you,  dear  mother,  go  to  Miss  Day,  who  I  know  is  waiting 
for  jou." 

Marah  Rocke  mechanically  complied,  and  allowed  Tra- 
verse to  lead  her  from  the  room. 

When  he  returned,  he  went  up  to  Colonel  Le  Noir,  and 
standing  before  him  and  looking  him  full  and  sternly  in  the 
face,  said,  as  sternly  : 

Colonel  Le  Noir,  my  mother  will  remain  Jiere  and  abide 
the  decision  of  the  Orphans^  Court ;  until  that  has  been 
pronounced,  she  does  not  stu'  at  your  or  any  man^s  bidding." 

"  Villain  !  out  of  my  way  !"  sneered  Le  Noir,  endeavor- 
ing to  pass  him. 

Traverse  prevented  him,  saying  : 

"  Sir,  in  consideration  of  your  age,  which  should  be 
venerable,  your  position  which  should  prove  you  honorable, 
and  of  this  sacred  house  of  mourning  in  which  you  stand,  I 
have  endeavored  to  meet  all  the  insults  you  have  offered  me 
with  forbearance.  But,  sir,  I  am  here  to  defend  my 
mother's  rights  and  to  protect  her  from  insult.  And  I  tell 
you  plainly  that  you  have  affronted  her  for  the  very  last 
time.  One  more  word  or  look  of  insult  levelled  at  Marah 
Rocke,  and  neither  your  age,  position,  nor  this  sacred  roof 


310 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


fihall  protect  you  from  personal  chastisement  at  the  hands 
of  her  son." 

Le  Koir,  who  had  listened  in  angry  scorn,  with  many  an 
ejaculation  of  contempt,  now  at  the  conclusion  which  so 
galled  his  pride,  broke  out  furiously,  with  : 

Sir,  you  are  a  bully  !  If  you  were  a  gentleman  I 
would  call  you  out." 

And  I  should  not  come  if  you  did,  sir.  Dueling  is  un- 
christian, barbarous  and  abominable  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  all  good  men.  For  the  rest  you  may  call  me  anything 
you  please  ;  but  do  not  again  insult  my  mother,  for  if  you 
do,  I  shall  hold  it  a  Christian  duty  to  teach  you  better  man- 
ners, said  Traverse,  coolly  taking  his  hat  and  walking 
from  the  room. 

He  mounted  his  horse,  and  stood  ready  to  attend  Clara 
to  Staunton. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  ground  his  teeth  in  impotent  rage,  mut- 
tering : 

"  Take  care,  young  man.  I  shall  live  to  be  revenged 
upon  you  yet  for  these  affronts  I" 

And  his  dastard  heart  burned  with  the  fiercer  malignity 
that  he  had  not  dared  to  meet  the  eagle  eye  or  encounter 
the  strong  arm  of  the  upright  and  stalwart  young  man. 
Gnashing  his  teeth  with  ill-suppressed  fury,  he  strode 
into  the  hall  just  as  Mrs.  Kocke  and  Clara  in  her  traveling 
dress,  descended  the  stairs. 

Clara  threw  her  arms  around  Mrs.  Kocke's  neck,  and 
weeping,  said  : 

Good-bye  !  dear,  best  friend  !  good-bye  !  Heaver 
grant  it  may  not  be  for  long.  Oh,  pray  for  me  that  I  may 
be  sent  back  to  you  I" 

*^May  the  Lord  have  you  in  His  holy  keeping,  mj 
child  !  I  shall  pray  until  I  hear  from  you  \"  said  Marah, 
kissing  and  releasing  her. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  then  took  her  by  the  hand,  led  her  out, 
and  put  her  into  the  carriage. 


THE  ORPHAN  S  TEIAL.  311 


Just  before  entering,  Clara  had  turned  to  take  a  last 
lo3k  at  her  old  home  :  all,  friends  and  seryants,  noticed  the 
sorrowful,  anxious,  almost  despairing  look  of  her  pale  face, 
which  seemed  to  ask  : 

"  Ah,  shall  I  ever,  ever  return  to  you,  dear  old  home, 
and  dear,  familiar  friends  V 

In  another  instant,  she  had  disappeared  within  the  car- 
riage— which  immediately  rolled  off. 

As  the  carriage  was  heayily  laden,  and  the  road  was  in 
a  yery  bad  condition,  it  was  a  full  hour  before  they  reached 
the  town  of  Staunton.  As  the  carriage  drew  up  for  a  few 
moments  before  the  door  of  the  principal  hotel,  and  Colo- 
nel Le  Xoir  was  in  the  act  of  stepping  out,  a  sheriS's 
officer,  accompanied  by  Dr.  Williams,  approached,  and 
seired  upon  the  Colonel  a  writ  of  liaheas  corj)us,  com- 
manding him  to  bring  his  ward,  Clara  Day,  into  court. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  laughed  scornfully,  saying  : 

"  And  do  any  of  you  imagine  this  will  serye  your  pur- 
poses ?  Ha  I  ha  !  the  most  that  it  can  do  will  be  to  delay 
my  journey  for  a  few  hours,  until  the  decision  of  the  judge, 
which  will  only  serve  to  confirm  my  authority  beyond  all 
future  possibility  of  questioning.'-' 

We  will  see  that,^'  said  Dr.  "Williams. 

Driye  to  the  coui-t-house,^'  ordered  Colonel  Le  Xoir. 

And  the  carriage,  attended  by  Traverse  Eocke,  Dr.  Wil- 
liams, and  the  sheriff^'s  officer,  each  on  horseback,  drove 
thither. 

And  now,  reader,  I  will  not  trouble  you  with  a  detailed 
account  of  this  trial.  Clara,  clothed  in  deep  mourning^ 
and  looking  pale  and  terrified,  was  led  into  the  court-room 
on  the  arm  of  her  guardian.  She  was  followed  closely  by 
her  friends.  Traverse  Eocke  and  Dr.  Williams,  each  of 
whom  whispered  encouraging  words  to  the  orphan. 

As  the  court  had  no  pressiag  business  on  its  hands,  the 
case  was  immediately  taken  up,  the  will  was  read  and 
attested  by  the  attorney,  who  had  drawn  it  up,  arid  the 


312 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


witnesses  who  liad  signed  it.  Then  tlie  evidence  of  Dr. 
Willia,ms  and  Dr.  Rocke  was  taken  concerning  the  last  ver- 
bal instructions  of  the  deceased.  The  case  occupied  about 
three  hours,  at  the  end  of  which  the  judge  gave  a  decision 
in  favor  of  Colonel  Le  'Noir. 

This  judgment  carried  consternation  to  the  heart  of 
Clara  and  all  her  friends. 

Clara  herself  sank  nearly  fainting  in  the  arms  of  her 
old  friend,  the  venerable  Dr  Williams. 

Traverse,  in  bitterness  of  spirit,  approached  and  bent 
over  her. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  spoke  to  the  judge. 

"  I  deeply  thank  your  honor  for  the  i)rompt  hearing  and 
equally  prompt  decision  of  this  case,  and  I  will  beg  your 
honor  to  order  the  sheriff  and  his  ofiQcers  to  see  your  judg- 
ment carried  into  effect,  as  I  foresee  violent  opposition,  and 
wish  to  prevent  trouble.'^ 

Certainly,  Mr.  Sheriff,  you  will  see  that  Colonel  Le 
Noir  is  put  in  possession  of  his  ward  and  protected  in  that 
right  until  he  shall  have  placed  her  in  security,"  said  the 
judge. 

Clara,  on  hearing  these  words,  lifted  her  head  from  the 
old  man's  bosom,  nerved  her  gentle  heart ;  and  in  a  clear, 
sweet,  steady  voice,  said  : 

^^It  is  needless  precaution,  your  honor ;  my  friends  are 
no  law-breakers  ;  and  since  the  Court  has  given  me  into  the 
custody  of  my  guardian,  I  do  not  dispyte  its  judgment — I 
yield  myself  up  to  Colonel  Le  Noir." 

"  You  do  well,  young  lady,"  said  the  judge. 
I  am  pleased.  Miss  Day,  to  see  that  you  understand 
and  perform  your  duty ;  believe  me,  I  shall  do  all  that  I 
can  to  make  you  happy,"  said  Colonel  Le  Noir. 

Clara  replied  by  a  gentle  nod  ;  and  then,  with  a  slight 
blush  mantling  her  pure  cheeks,  she  advanced  a  step,  and 
placed  herself  immediately  in  front  of  the  judge,  saying  : 
But  there  is  a  word  that  I  would  speak  to  your  honor." 


THE  orphan's  TEIAL. 


313 


Say  on,  yoimg  lady/^  said  the  judge. 

x\nd  as  she  stood  there  in  her  deep  mourning  dress,  with 
her  fair  hair  unbound  and  floating  softly  around  her  pale, 
sweet  face,  every  eye  in  that  court  was  spell-bound  by  her 
almost  unearthly  beauty.  Before  ^^roceeding  with  what  she 
was  about  to  say  she  turned  upon  Traverse  a  look  that 
brought  him  immediately  to  her  side. 

Your  honor,"  she  began,  in  a  low,  sweet,  clear  tone, 
'^I  owe  it  to  Doctor  Rocke  here  present,  who  has  been 
sadly  misrepresented  to  you,  to  say  (what  under  less  seri- 
ous circumstances  my  girFs  heart  would  shrink  from  avow- 
ing so  publicly)  that  I  am  his  betrothed  wife — sacredly 
betrothed  to  him  by  almost  the  last  act  of  my  dear  father^s 
life.  I  hold  this  engagement  to  be  so  holy  that  no  earthly 
tribunal  can  break  or  disturb  it.  And  while  I  bend  to 
your  honor's  decision,  and  yield  myself  to  the  custody  of 
my  legal  guardian  for  the  period  of  my  minority,  I  here 
declare  to  all  who  may  be  interested,  that  I  hold  my  hand 
and  heart  irrevocably  pledged  to  Doctor  Rocke,  and  that, 
as  his  betrothed  wife,  I  shall  consider  myself  bound  to  cor- 
respond with  him  regularly,  and  to  receive  him  as  often  as 
he  shall  seek  my  society,  until  my  majority,  when  I  and 
all  that  I  possess  will  become  his  own.  And  these  words  I 
force  myself  to  speak,  your  honor,  both  in  justice  to  my 
dear  lost  father  and  liis  friend  Traverse  Rocke,  and  also  to 
myself,  that  hereafter  no  one  may  venture  to  accuse  me  of 
clandestine  proceedings,  or  distort  my  actions  into  impro- 
prieties, or  in  any  manner  call  in  question  the  conduct  of 
my  father's  daughter."  And,  with  another  gentle  bow, 
Clara  retired  to  the  side  of  her  old  friend. 

^'You  are  likely  to  have  a  troublesome  charge  in  your 
ward,"  said  the  sheriff  apart  to  the  colonel,  who  shrugged 
his  shoulders  by  way  of  reply. 

The  heart  of  Traverse  was  torn  by  many  conflicting  pas- 
sions, emotions  and  impulses ;  there  was  indignation  at  the 


3M 


THE  orphan's  TEIAL. 


decision  of  the  court ;  grief  for  the  loss  of  Clara,  and  dread 
for  her  future  ! 

One  instant  he  felt  a  temptation  to  denounce  the  guar- 
dian as  a  villain  and  to  charge  the  judge  with  being  a  cor- 
rupt politician,  whose  decisions  were  swayed  by  party 
interests. 

The  next  moment  he  felt  an  impulse  to  catch  Clara  up 
in  his  arms,  fight  his  way  through  the  crowd  and  carry  her 
off.  But  all  these  wild  emotions,  passions  and  impulses  he 
succeeded  in  controlling. 

Too  well  he  know  that  rage,  do  violence,  or  commit 
extravagance  as  he  might,  the  law  would  take  its  course  all 
the  same. 

While  his  heart  was  torn  in  this  manner.  Colonel  Le 
Noir  was  urging  the  departure  of  his  ward.  And  Clara 
came  to  her  lover's  side  and  said,  gravely  and  sweetly  : 

"  The  law,  you  see,  has  decided  against  us,  dear  Trav- 
erse !  let  us  bend  gracefully  to  a  decree  that  we  cannot  annul ; 
it  cannot  at  least,  alter  our  sacred  relations  ;  nor  can  any- 
thing on  earth  shake  our  steadfast  faith  in  each  other ;  let 
us  take  comfort  in  that,  and  in  the  thought  that  the  years 
will  surely  roll  round  at  length  and  bring  the  time  that  shall 
re-unite  us."*^ 

Oh,  my  angel-girl !  my  angel-girl  !  your  patient  hero- 
ism puts  me  to  the  blush,  for  my  heart  is  crushed  in  my 
bosom  and  my  firmness  quite  gone  I"  said  Traverse,  in  a 
broken  voice. 

^'  You  will  gain  firmness,  dear  Traverse.  '  Patient 
/patient  !  you  should  have  heard  me  last  niglit !  I  was  so 
impatient  that  Doctor  Williams  had  to  lecture  me.  But  it 
would  be  strange  if  one  did  not  leai-n  something  by  suffer- 
ing. I  have  been  trying  all  night  and  day  to  school  my 
heart  to  submission,  and  I  hope  I  have  succeeded.  Trav- 
erse.   Bless  me  and  bid  me  good-bye/' 

"  The  Lord  forever  bless  and  keep  you,  my  own  dear 


THE  orphan's  trial. 


315 


angel,  Clara  V  burst  from  the  lips  of  Traverse  :    the  Lord 

abundantly  bless  you  !" 
''And  you  r  said  Clara. 
Good-bye  !  good-bye 
Good-bye/' 
And  thus  they  parted. 

Clara  was  hurried  away  and  put  into  the  carriage  by 
her  guardian. 

Ah  !  no  one  but  the  Lord  knew  how  much  it  had  cost 
that  poor  girl  to  maintain  her  fortitude  during  that  trying 
scene.  She  had  controlled  herself  for  the  sake  of  her 
friends.  But  now,  when  she  found  herself  in  the  carriage, 
her  long  strained  nerves  gave  way — she  sank  exhausted  and 
prostrated  into  the  corner  of  her  seat,  in  the  utter  collapse 
of  woe. 

But  leaving  the  travelers  to  pursue  their  journey,  we 
must  go  back  to  Traverse. 

Almost  broken-hearted,  Traverse  returned  to  Willow 
Heights  to  convey  the  sad  tidings  of  his  disappointment  to 
his  mother's  ear. 

Marah  Eocke  was  so  overwhelmed  with  grief  at  the 
news,  that  she  was  for  several  hours  incapable  of  action. 

The  arrival  of  the  house-agent  was  the  first  event  that 
recalled  her  to  her  senses. 

She  aroused  herself  to  action,  and  assisted  by  Traverse, 
set  to  work  to  pack  up  her  own  and  his  wardrobe,  and 
other  personal  effects. 

And  the  next  morning  Marah  Rocke  was  re-established 
in  her  cottage. 

And  the  next  week,  having  equally  divided  their  little 
capital,  the  mother  and  son  parted — Traverse,  by  her 
express  desire,  keeping  to  his  original  plan,  set  out  for  the 
Ear  West. 


316 


OLD  HUERICANE  STOEMB. 


CHAPTER  XXXIL 

OLD  HUKRIOAlSrE  STORMS. 

"  *At  this  sir  knight  flamed  up  with  ire  ! 
His  great  chest  heaved,  his  eyes  flashed  fire, 
The  crimson  that  suffused  his  face 
To  deepest  purple  now  gave  place.*  " 

Who  can  describe  the  frenzy  of  Old  Hurricane  upon 
discovering  the  fraud  that  had  been  practiced  upon  him  by 
Black  Donald  ? 

It  was  told  him  the  next  morning  in  his  tent,  at  his 
breakfast  table,  in  the  presence  of  his  assembled  family,  by 
the  reverend  Mr.  Goodwin. 

Upon  first  hearing  it,  he  was  incapable  of  anything  but 
blank  staring,  until  it  seemed  as  though  his  eyes  must 
start  from  their  sockets  ! 

Then  his  passion,  not  loud  but  deep,^-'  found  utterance 
only  in  emphatic  thumps  of  his  walking  stick  upon  the 
ground. 

Then  as  the  huge  emotion  worked  upwards,  it  broke 
out  in  grunts,  groans  and  inarticulate  exclamations. 
Finally  it  burst  forth  as  follows  : 

Ugh  !  ugh  !  ugh  !  Fool  !  dolt  !  blockhead  !  hrute 
that  I've  been  ! — I  wish  somebody  would  punch  my  wooden 
head  ! — I  didn^t  think  the  demon  himself  could  have 
deceived  me  so  !  Ugh  ! — Nobody  hut  the  demon  could 
have  done  it.  And  he  is  the  demon  !  the  very  demon  him- 
self ! — he  does  not  disguise  he  transforms  himself.  Ugh  ! 
ugh  !  ugh  !  that  I  should  have  been  such  a  donkey.'" 

Sir,  compose  yourself,  we  are  all  liable  to  suffer  decep- 
tion,'"  said  Mr.  Goodwin. 

Sir/^  broke  forth  Old  Hurricane,  in  fury — "  that 


OLD  HUEKICANE  STORMS. 


317 


wretch  has  ea^  fl^  my  table!  has  drunh  loine  with  me !  ! 
has  slept  in  my  led !  !  !   Ugh  !  ugh  !  !  ugh  !  ! 

BelieYing  him  to  be  what  he  seemed^  sir,  you  extended 
to  him  the  rights  of  hospitality ;  you  have  nothing  to 
blame  yourself  with 

"Demmy,  sir,  I  did  more  than  that  I — I  have  coddled 
him  up  with  negusses  !  Fve  pampered  him  up  with  possets 
and  put  him  to  sleep  in  my  own  bed  !  Yes,  sir  !  and  more  ! 
— look  there  at  Mrs.  Condiment,  sir,  the  way  in  which  she 
worshipped  that  villain  was  a  sight  to  behold, said  Old 
Hurricane,  jumping  up  and  stamping  around  the  tent  in 
fury. 

^'  Oh,  Mr.  Goodwin,  sir,  how  could  /  help  it  when  I 
thought  he  was  such  a  precious  saint  V  whimpered  the  old 
lady. 

"  Yes,  sir,  when  '  his  Reverence '  would  be  tired  with 
delivering  a  long-winded  mid-day  discourse,  Mrs.  Condi- 
ment, sir,  would  take  him  into  her  own  tent,  make 
him  lie  down  on  her  own  sacred  cot,  and  set  my  niece  to 
bathing  his  head  with  cologne  and  her  maid  to  fanning 
him,  while  she  herself  prepared  an  iced  sherry  cobbler  for 
his  Reverence.  Aren't  you  ashamed  of  yourself,  Mrs. 
Condiment,  mum,^^  said  Old  Hurricane,  suddenly  stopping 
before  the  poor  old  woman,  in  auger  and  scorn. 

Indeed  I'm  sure  if  Fd  known  it  was  Black  Donald,  I'd 
no  more  have  suffered  him  inside  my  tent  than  I  would 
have  Satan. 

^^Demmy,  mum,  you  had  Satan  there  as  well.  Who  but 
Satan  could  have  tempted  you  all  to  disregard  me,  your  law- 
ful lord  and  master,  as  you  every  one  of  you  did  for  that 
wretch's  sake.  Hang  it,  parson,  I  wasn't  the  master  of  my 
own  house,  nor  the  head  of  my  own  family.  Precious 
Father  Gray  was.  Black  Donald  was.  Oh,  you  shall  hear,'' 
cried  Old  Hurricane,  in  a  frenzy. 

^'  Pray,  sir,  be  patient  and  do  not  blame  the  woman  for 
being  no  wiser  than  you  were  yourself/'  said  Mr.  Goodwin, 


318 


OLD  HUREIOANE  STORMS. 


Tah  !  tah  !  tah  !  one  act  of  folly  is  a  contingency  to 
which,  any  man  may  for  once  in  his  life  be  liable,  but  folly 
is  a  woman^s  normal  condition.  You  shall  hear,  jou  shall 
hear.  Hang  it,  sir,  everybody  had  to  give  away  to  Father 
Gray,  everything  was  for  Father  Gray.  Precious  Father 
Gray.  Excellent  Father  Gray.  Saintly  Father  Gray.  It  was 
Father  Gray  here  and  Father  Gray  there,  and  Father  Gray 
everywhere  and  always.  He  ate  with  us  all  day  and  slept  with 
us  all  night.  The  coolest  cot  in  the  dryest  nook  of  the  tent 
at  night,  the  shadiest  seat  at  the  table  by  day,  were  always 
for  his  Reverence,  the  nicest  tit-bits  of  the  choicest  dishes, 
the  middle  slices  of  the  fish,  the  breast  of  the  young  ducks, 
and  the  wings  of  the  chickens,  mealiest  potatoes,  the  juciest 
tomatoes,  the  tenderest  roasting  ear,  the  most  delicate  cus- 
tards and  the  freshest  fruit  always  for  his  Reverence.  /  had 
to  put  up  with  the  necks  of  poultry,  and  the  tails  of  fishes, 
watery  potatoes,  specked  apples,  and  scorched  custards  ; 
and  if  I  dared  to  touch  anything  better  before  his  precious 
Reverence  had  eaten  and  was  filled,  Mrs.  Condiment,  there, 
would  look  as  sour  as  if  she  had  bitten  an  unripe  lemon,  and 
Cap  would  tread  on  my  gouty  toe.  Mrs.  Condiment,  mum, 
I  don^t  know  how  you  can  look  me  in  the  face,^^  said  Old 
Hurricane,  savagely — a  very  unnecessary  reproach,  since 
poor  Mrs.  Condiment  had  not  ventured  to  look  any  one  in 
the  face  since  the  discovery  of  the  fraud  of  which  she,  as 
well  as  others,  had  been  an  innocent  victim. 

Come,  come,  my  dear  Major,  there  is  no  harm  done  to 
you  or  your  family ;  therefore  take  patience,^'  said  Mr. 
Goodwin. 

"  Demmy,  sir ;  I  beg  your  pardon  parson,  I  wonH  take 
patience.  You  don^t  know.  Hang  it,  man,  at  last  they 
got  me  to  give  up  one  half  of  my  own  blessed  bed  to  his 
precious  Reverence — the  host  half  which  the  fellow  always 
took,  right  out  of  the  middle,  leaving  me  to  sleep  on  both 
sides  of  him  if  I  could.  Think  of  it :  me,  Ira  Warfield, 
sleeping  between  the  sheets,  night  after  night,  with  Black 


OLD  HURRICANE  STORMS. 


319 


Donald  !  Ugli  !  ligli !  ugli  !  Oh,  for  some  letliean 
drauglit,  that  I  might  drink  and  forget.  Sir,  I  won't  be 
patient  !  patience  would  be  a  sin.  Mrs.  Condiment,  mum, 
I  desire  that  you  will  send  in  your  account  and  supply 
yourself  with  a  new  situation.  You  and  1  cannot  agree 
any  longer.  You^'ll  be  putting  me  to  bed  with  Beelzebub 
next  r  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane,  beside  himself  with  in- 
dignation. 

Mrs.  Condiment  sighed,  and  wiped  her  eyes  under  her 
spectacles. 

The  worthy  minister,  seriously  alarmed,  came  to  him, 
and  said  : 

My  dear,  dear  Major,  do  not  be  unjust — consider,  she 
is  an  old  faithful  domestic,  who  has  been  in  your  service 
forty  years — whom  you  could  not  live  without.  I  say  it 
under  advisement — whom  you  could  not  live  without !" 

Hang  it,  sir,  not  live  with.  Think  of  her  helping  to 
free  the  prisoners — actually  taking  Black  Donald— precious 
Father  Gray — into  their  cell,  and  leaving  them  together 
to  hatch  their — I  beg  your  pardon — horrid  plots.^^ 

But,  sir,  instead  of  punishing  the  innocent  victim  of 
his  deception,  let  us  be  merciful  and  thank  the  Lord  that, 
since  those  men  were  delivered  from  prison,  they  were 
freed  without  bloodshed ;  for  remember  that  neither  the 
warden,  nor  any  of  his  men,  nor  any  one  else,  has  been 
personally  injured.^' 

Hang  it,  sir  !  I  wish  they  had  cut  all  our  throats,  to 
teach  us  more  discretion,''  broke  forth  Old  Hurricane. 

"  I  am  afraid  that  the  lesson  so  taught  would  have  come 
too  late  to  be  useful,"  smiled  the  pastor. 

Well,  it  hasn't  come  too  late  now.  Mrs.  Condiment, 
mum,  mind  what  I  tell  you  :  as  soon  as  we  return  to  Hur- 
ricane Hall,  send  in  your  accounts  and  seek  a  new  home. 
I  am  not  going  to  suffer  myself  to  be  set  at  naught  any 
longer,"  exclaimed  Old  Hurricane,  bringing  down  his  cane 
with  an  emphatic  thump. 


320 


OLD  nURRICANE  STORM^. 


The  sorely  troubled  minister  was  again  about  to  inter- 
fere, when,  as  the  worm,  if  trodden  upon,  will  turn,  Mrs. 
Condiment  herself  spoke  up,  saying  : 

"  Lor,  Major  Warfield,  sir,  there  were  others  deceived 
besides  me,  and  as  for  myself,  I  never  can  think  of  the  risk 
IVe  run  without  growing  cold  all  over." 

Serves  you  right,  mum,  for  your  officiousness  and 
obsequiousness,  and  toadying  to — precious  Mr.  Gray  ! 
serves  you  doubly  right  for  famishing  meat  my  own  table.'' 
Uncle,''  said  Capitola,  "  ^  Honor  bright  !'  ^Fair  play 
is  a  jewel.'  If  you  and  I,  who  have  seen  Black  Donald 
before,  failed  to  recognize  that  stalwart  athlete  in  a  seem- 
ingly old  and  sickly  man,  how  could  you  expect  Mrs.  Con- 
diment to  do  so,  who  never  saw  him  but  once  in  her  life, 
and  then  was  so  much  frightened  that  she  instantly 
fainted  ?" 

Pah  !  Pah  !  Pah  !  Cap,  hush  !  You,  all  of  you  dis- 
gust me,  except  Black  Donald.  I  begin  to  respect  liim ! 
Confound  me,  if  I  don't  take  in  all  the  offers  I  have  made 
for  his  apprehension  ;  I'll  nominate  him  to  represent  us  in 
the  National  Congress  ! — for,  of  all  the  fools  that  ever  I  have 
met  in  my  life,  the  people  of  this  county  are  the  greatest  ! 
and  fools  should  at  least  be  represented  by  one  clever  man — 
and  Black  Domild  is  the  very  fellow  !  He  is  decidedly  the 
ablest  man  in  this  congressional  district." 

Except  yourself,  dear  uncle  !"  said  Capitola. 
Except  nobody.  Miss  Impudence  !  least  of  all  me! 
The  experience  of  the  last  week  has  convinced  me  that  I 
ought  to  have  a  cap  and  bells  awarded  me  by  public  acclama- 
tion !"  said  Old  Hurricane,  stamping  about  in  fury. 

The  good  minister  finding  that  he  could  make  no  sort 
of  impression  upon  the  irate  old  man,  soon  took  his  leave, 
telling  Mrs.  Condiment  that  if  he  could  be  of  any  service  to 
her  in  her  trouble,  she  must  be  sure  to  let  him  know. 

At  this  Capitola  and  Mrs.  Condiment  exchanged  looks; 
and  the  old  lady  thanking  him  for  his  kindness,  said  that  if 


OLD  HUEEICAXE  STORMS. 


821 


it  should  become  necessary^  she  should  gratefully  avail  her- 
self of  it. 

That  day  the  camp-meeting  broke  np. 

Major  TTarfield  struck  tents,  and  "with  his  family  and 
baggage  returned  to  Hurricane  Hall. 

On  their  arrival^  each  member  of  the  party  -went  about 
his  or  her  ovrn  particular  business. 

Capitola  hurried  to  her  o^vn  room  to  take  off  her  bonnet 
and  sha^l.  Pitapat^  before  attending  her  young  mistress, 
lingered  below  to  astonish  the  honsemaids  with  p.c^-.,[\r.i.<  of 
"Brack  Dnnnel,  dress  np  like  an  ole  parson,  um  Vciving 
eberybody,  even  ole  Marse  I''^ 

Mrs.  Condiment  went  to  her  store-room  to  ui>y  err  ti.e 
condition  of  her  newly  put  up  preserves  audpiLLk.-.  It-  t 
any  of  them  should  hare     worked^*  during  her  abic-ice. 

And  Old  Hurricane,  attended  by  Wool,  walked  down  to 
his  kennels  and  his  stables  to  look  after  the  well-being  tf 
his  favorite  hounds  and  horses.  It  was  while  going  through 
this  interesting  investigation  that  Major  Warfield  was 
informed — principally  by  overliearing  the  gossip  of  the 
grooms  with  Wool — of  the  appearance  of  a  new  inmate  of 
the  Hidden  House — a  young  girl,  who,  according  to  their 
description^  must  have  been  the  very  pearl  of  beatity. 

Old  Hurricane  pricked  up  his  ears.  Anything  relating 
to  the  "  Hidden  House  ^'  possessed  immense  interest  for 
him. 

Who  is  she,  John      he  inquired  of  the  gTOom, 
Deed  I  dunno,  sir,  only  they  say  she^s  a  bootiful  young 
creature,  fair  as  any  lily,  and  dressed  in  deep  mourning.''^ 

"  Humph  I  humph  I  humph  !  another  victim  !  ten  thou- 
sand chances  to  one,  another  victim  !  Who  told  yon  this, 
John  r 

Why,  Marse,  you  see  Tom  Griffith,  the  Eeverend  Mr. 
Goodwin^s  man,  he^s  very  thick  long  of  Davy  Hughs,  Colo- 
nel Le  lN"oir^s  coachman.  And  Davy  he  told  Tom  how  one 
day  last  month  his  marse  ordered  the  carriage,  and  went 


322 


OLD  HURRIOANE  STORMS. 


two  or  three  day^s  journey  up  the  country  beyant  Staunton, 
where  he  staid  a  week  and  then  came  home,  fetching  along 
with  him  in  the  carriage  this  lovely  young  lady,  who  was 
dressed  in  the  deepest  mourning  and  wept  all  the  way. 
They  ^spects  how  she^s  an  orphan,  and  has  lost  all  her  friend's 
by  the  way  she  takes  on.^^ 

"Another  victim!  My  life  on  it,  another  victim! 
Poor  child  !  she  had  better  be  dead  tban  in  the  power  Jof 
that  atrocious  villain  and  consummate  hypocrite  ?'  said  Old 
Hurricane,  passing  on  to  the  examination  of  his  favorite 
horses,  one  of  which,  the  swiftest  in  the  stud,  he  found 
galled  on  the  shoulders.  Whereupon  he  flew  into  a  tower- 
ing passion,  abusing  his  unfortunate  groom,  by  every  op- 
probrious epithet  blind  fury  could  suggest,  ordering  him 
as  he  valued  whole  bones,  to  vacate  the  stables  instantly, 
and  never  dare  to  set  foot  on  his  premises  again,  as  he  val- 
ued his  life,  an  order  which  the  man  meekly  accepted  and 
immediately  disobeyed,  muttering  to  himself  : 

^'  Humph  I  if  we  took  ole  marse  at  his  word,  there'd 
never  be  a  man  or  ^oman  left  on  the  ^state,^' — knowing  full 
well  that  his  tempestuous  old  master  would  probably  for- 
get all  about  it,  as  soon  as  he  got  comfortably  seated  at  the 
supper  table  of  Hurricane  Hall,  towards  which  the  old  man 
now  trotted  off. 

'Not  a  word  did  Mujor  Warfield  say  at  supper  in  regard 
to  the  new  inmate  of  the  Hidden  House,  for  he  had  par- 
ticular reasons  for  keeping  Cap  in  ignorance  of  a  neighbor, 
lest  she  should  insist  upon  exchanging  visits  and  being 
'^sociable." 

But  it  was  destined  that  Cajaitola  should  not  remain  a 
day  in  ignorance  of  the  interesting  fact. 

That  night  when  she  retired  to  her  chamber,  Pitapat 
lingered  behind,  but  presently  appeared  at  her  young  mis- 
tress's room  door  with  a  large  Avaiter  on  her  head,  laden 
with  meat,  pastry,  jelly  and  fruit,  which  she  brought  in 
and  placed  upon  the  work-stand. 


OLD  HrRPvICAXE  STORMS. 


323 


^''Wliy,  what  ou  the  face  of  earth  do  you  mean  by 
bringing  all  that  load  of  victnals  into  my  room  to-night  ? 
Do  yon  think  I  am  an  ostrich  or  cormorant^  or  that  I  am 
going  to  entertain  a  party  of  friends."  asked  Capitola,  in 
astonishment,  tnrning  from  the  wash-stand,  where  she 
stood  bathing  her  face. 

^'■^Deed,  I  dunno,  Miss,  whedder  you^se  an  ostrizant  or 
not,  but  I  knows  I  don't  'tend  for  to  be  'bused  any  more 
'bout  wittels,  arter  findin''  ont  how  cross  empty  people  can 
be  I  Dere  cley  is  !  Yon  can  eat  nm  or  leab  nm  alone, 
Miss  Caterpillar  I"  said  little  Pitapat,  firmly. 

Capitola  laughed.  P;itty,''  she  said,  you  are  worthy 
to  be  called  my  waiting  maid  I"'* 

"  And  lors  knows  Miss  Caterpillar,  if  it  ^2i%  de  vnttels 
yon  was  a-frettin^  arter,  you  ought  to  a-told  me  before  I 
Lors  knows  dere's  wittels  enough  I*' 

Yes,  Fm  much  obliged  to  you,  Patty,  but  now  I  am 
not  hungry,  and  I  do  not  like  the  smell  of  food  in  my  bed- 
room, so  take  the  waiter  out  and  set  it  on  the  passage  table 
nntil  morning." 

Patty  obeyed,  and  came  back  smiling  and  saying  : 
Miss  Caterpillar,  has  you  hern  de  news 
What  news,  Pat  ?" 

How  ns  has  got  a  new  neighbor — a  bootiful  young 
gal — as  bootiful  as  a  pictcr  in  a  gilt-edged  Christmas  book  I 
wid  a  snowy  skin,  and  sky-blue  eyes,  and  glistenin"  goldy 
hair  like  de  princess  you  was  a  readin^  mo  about,  all  in  deep 
mournin'  and  a  weepin^  and  a  weepin"  all  alone  down  dere 
in  dat  wicked,  lonesome,  outlawful  ole  haunted  place,  the 
Hidden  House,  along  of  old  Colonel  Le  Xoir  and  old 
Dorkey  Knight,  and  the  ghost  as  draws  people's  curtains  of 
a  night,  just  for  all  the  work'  like  dat  same  princess  in  de 
ogre's  castle  I" 

What  on  earth  is  all  this  rigmarole  about  ?  Are  you 
dreaming  or  romancing  ?" 


324: 


OLD  HURRICANE  STORMS. 


Fm  a  telling  on  you  de  bressed  truf e  1   Dere's  a  young 
lady  a  livin^  at  de  Hidden  House 
"  Eh  I  is  that  really  true,  Patty  r 
"  True  as  preaching,  Miss." 

**  Then  I  am  very  glad  of  it  !  I  shall  certainly  ride 
over  aad  call  on  the  stranger, ''^  said  Oapitola,  gaily. 

'  VI K  Miss  Cap  !  oh.  Miss,  don^t  you  do  no  sich  thing  ! 
01"  M.I1.SC  nie  !  I  heerd  him  threaten  all  de  men  and 
iMiiid*.  how  If  (ley  tolled  you  anything  'bout  de  new  neigh- 
bur.  iiMU  lii'M  skin  dem  alive  \" 

**  Won't  he  skin  you  asked  Cap. 
IN'o,  Miss,  not  'less  you  'form  ag'in  me,  case  he  didn't 
tell  me  not  to  tell  you,  case  you  see  he  didn't  think  how  I 
knowed  !  But  leastways,  I  know  from  what  I  heard,  old 
Marse  wouldn't  have  you  to  know  no  thin'  'bout  it,  no,  not 
for  de  whole  worP." 

'*He  does  not  want  me  to  call  at  the  Hidden  House  1 
That's  it !  Now  lohy  doesn't  he  wish  me  to  call  there  ?  I 
shall  have  to  go  in  order  to  find  out,  and  so  I  will/'  thought 
Cap. 


cap's  visit  to  the  hidden  house. 


325 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

cap's  visit  to  the  HIDDEN"  HOUSE. 

"And  such  a  night  '  she  '  took  the  road  in 
As  ne'er  poor  sinner  was  abroad  in. 
The  wind  blew  as  'twad  blawn  its  last ; 
The  rattling  showers  rose  on  the  blast ; 
The  speedy  gleams  the  darkness  swallowed  ; 
Loud,  deep  and  long  the  thunder  bellowed ; 
That  night  a  child  might  understand 
The  deHl  had  business  on  his  hand."  — Burns. 

A  TTEEK  passed  before  Capitola  carried  her  resolution 
of  calling  upon  the  inmate  of  the  Hidden  House  into 
effect.  It  was  in  fact,  a  hot,  dry,  oppressive  season,  the 
last  few  days  of  August,  when  all  people,  even  the  restless 
Capitola,  preferred  the  coolness  and  repose  of  indoors. 
But  that  she  should  stay  at  home  more  than  a  week  was  a 
moral  and  physical  impossibility.  So  on  Thursday  after- 
noon, when  ^lajor  Warfield  set  out  on  horseback  to  visit 
his  mill,  Capitola  ordered  her  horse  saddled  and  brought 
up  that  she  miglit  take  an  afternoon's  ride. 

"  ^s"ow  please,  my  dear  child,  don't  go  far,"  said  Mrs. 
Condiment,  ^'^for  besides  that  your  uncle  does  not  approve 
of  your  ridiug  alone,  you  must  hurry  back  to  avoid  the 
storm." 

"  Storm,  Mrs.  Condiment,  why,  bless  your  dear  old 
heart,  there  has  not  been  a  storm  these  four  weeks  !"  said 
Capitola,  almost  indignant  that  such  an  absurd  objection 
to  a  long  ride  should  be  raised. 

"  The  more  reason,  my  child,  that  we  should  have  a 
very  severe  one  when  it  does  come,  and  I  think  it  will  be 
upon  us  before  sunset ;  so  I  advise  you  to  hurry  home," 


326 


cap's  visit  to  the  hidden  house. 


<f  Why,  Mrs.  Condiment  !  there's  not  a  cloud  in  the 

sky 

So  much  the  worse,  my  dear.  The  blackest  cloud  that 
ever  gathered  is  not  so  ominous  of  mischief  as  this  dull, 
coppery  sky  and  still  atmosphere  ;  and  if  forty  years'  obser- 
vation of  weather  signs  goes  for  anything,  I  tell  you  that  we 
are  going  to  have  the  awfulest  storm  that  ever  gathered  in 
the  heavens  !  Why,  look  out  of  that  window  !  the  very  birds 
and  beasts  know  it,  and  instinctively  seek  shelter  ! — look  at 
that  flock  of  crows  flying  home  !  see  how  the  dumb  beasts 
come  trooping  towards  their  sheds  !  Oapitola,  you  had  better 
give  up  going  altogether,  my  dear." 

There  !  I  thought  all  this  talk  tended  to  keeping  me 
within  doors  !  but  I  can't  stay,  Mrs.  Condiment  !  Good 
Mrs.  Condiment,  I  can't  !" 

''But,  my  dear,  if  you  should  be  caught  out  in  the 
storm  !" 

''Why,  I  don't  know  but  I  should  like  it !  What  harm 
could  it  do  me  ?  I'm  not  soluble  in  water — rain  won't  melt 
me  away  !  I  think,  upon  the  whole,  I  rather  prefer  being 
caught  in  the  storm  !"  said  Cap,  perversely. 

"  Well,  well,  there's  no  need  of  that ;  you  may  ride  as 
far  as  the  river's  bank  and  back  again  in  time  to  escape,  if 
you  choose,"  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  who  saw  that  her  trouble- 
some charge  was  bent  upon  the  frolic. 

And  Cap,  seeing  her  horse  approach,  led  by  one  of  the 
grooms,  ran  up  stairs,  donned  her  riding-habit,  hat  and 
gloves,  ran  down  again,  sprang  into  her  saddle,  and  was  off, 
galloping  away  towards  the  river  before  Mrs.  Condiment 
could  add  another  word  of  warning. 

She  had  been  gone  about  an  hour  when  the  sky  suddenly 
darkened,  the  wind  rose  and  the  thunder  rolled  in  prelude 
to  the  storm. 

Major  Warfield  came  skurrying  home  from  the  mill, 
grasping  his  bridle  with  one  hand,  and  holding  his  hat  on 
with  the  other. 


CAP'S  VISIT  TO  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


327 


Meeting  poor  old  Ezy  in  the  shrubbery,  he  stormed  out 
upon  him  with  : 

What  are  you  lounging  there  for,  you  old  idiot  !  you 
old  sky-gazing  lunatic  !  don^t  you  see  that  we  are  going  to 
have  an  awful  blow  ?  Begone  with  you,  and  see  that  the 
cattle  are  all  under  shelter.  Off,  I  say,  or,^^ — he  rode 
towards  Bill  Ezy,  but  the  old  man,  exclaiming  : 

"  Yes,  sir  !  yes,  sir  !  in  coorse,  sir  ducked  his  head, 
and  ran  off  in  good  time. 

Major  Warfield  quickened  his  horse^s  steps  and  rode  to 
the  house,  dismounted,  and  threw  the  reins  to  the  stable- 
boy,  exclaiming  : 

^'  My  beast  is  dripping  with  perspiration — rub  hin. 
down  well,  you  knave,  or  Fll  impale  you  V 

Striding  into  the  hall,  he  threw  down^is  riding- whip; 
pulled  off  his  gloves,  and  called  : 

'MA^ool  I  Wool,  you  scoundrel,  close  every  door  and 
window  in  the  house  ;  call  all  the  servants  together  in  ti.^ 
dining-room  ;  we^re  going  to  have  one  of  the  worst  tempes 
that  ever  raised. 

Wool  flew  to  do  his  bidding. 
Mrs.  Condiment,  mum,^'  said  the  old  man,  striding 
into  the  sitting-room — ^''Mrs.  Condiment,  mum,  tell  Miss 
Black  to  come  down  from  her  room  until  the  storm  is  over  ; 
the  upper  chambers  of  this  old  house  are  not  safe  in  a 
tempest.  Well,  mum,  why  don't  you  go,  or  send  Pita- 
pat ?" 

'Olajor  Warfield,  sir,  I'm  very  sorry,  but  Miss  Black 
has  not  come  in  yet,''  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  who  for  the 
last  half  hour  had  suffered  extreme  anxiety  upon  account 
of  Capitola. 

'''Not  come  in  yet !  Demmy,  mum  !  do  you  tell  me  she 
has  go7ie  out?"  cried  Old  Hurricane,  in  a  voice  of  thunder, 
gathering  his  brows  into  a  dark  frown,  and  striking  his  cane 
angrily  upon  the  floor. 

'^Yes,  sir,  I  am  sorry  to  say  she  rode  out  about  an  hour 


828 


cap's  visit  to  the  hidden  house. 


ago  and  has  not  returned/^  said  Mrs.  Condiment,  summon- 
ing all  her  firmness  to  meet  Old  Hurricane's  "roused 
wrath." 

"  Ma'am  !  you  venture  to  stand  there  before  my  face  and 
tell  ME  composedly  that  you  permitted  Miss  Black  to  go  off 
alone  in  the  face  of  such  a  storm  as  this  V  roared  Old  Hurri- 
cane. 

"  Sir,  I  could  not  help  it"  said  the  old  lady. 

"  Demmy,  mum,  you  sliould  have  helped  it.  A  woman 
of  your  age  stand  there  and  tell  me  that  she  could  not  pre- 
vent a  young  creature  like  Capitola  from  going  out  alone  in 
a  storm 

Major  Warfield,  could  you  have  done  it 
Me  ?  Demmy,  I  should  think  so,  but  that  is  not  the 
question.  You-^- — " 

He  was  interrupted  by  a  blinding  flash  of  lightning,  fol- 
lowed immediately  by  an  awful  peal  of  thunder  and  a  sudden 
fall  of  rain. 

Old  Hurricane  sprang  up  as  though  he  had  been  shot 
off  his  chair,  and  trotted  up  and  down  the  floor  exclaiming  : 

"  And  she  !  she  out  in  all  this  storm  !  Mrs.  Condiment, 
mum,  you  deserve  to  be  ducked  !  Yes,  mum,  you  do  ! 
Wool  !  Wool  !  you  diabolical  villain  \" 

Yes,  marse,  yes,  sir,  here  I  is  exclaimed  that  officer, 
in  trepidation,  as  he  appeared  in  the  doorway.  "De 
windows  and  doors,  sir,  is  all  fastened  close,  and  de  maids 
are  all  in  the  dining-room  as  you  ordered,  and  " 

''Hang  the  maids,  and  the  doors  and  windows,  too! 
who  the  demon  cares  about  them  ?  How  dared  you,  you 
knave,  permit  your  young  mistress  to  ride,  unattended,  in 
the  face  of  such  a  storm,  too  !  Why  didn't  you  go  with 
her,  sir 

'"Deed,  marse  " 

"  Don't  "deed  marse '  7ne,  you  atrocious  villain  !  Sad- 
dle a  horse  quickly,  inquire  which  road  your  mistress  took. 


cap's  visit  to  the  hidden  H0IT8B. 


329 


and  follow  and  aitt^nd  lier  home  safely — after  wliich,  I 
intend  to  break  every  bone  in  your  skin,  sirrah  !    So  " 

Again  he  was  interrupted  by  a  dazzling  flash  of  light- 
ning, accompanied  by  a  deafening  roll  of  thunder,  and  fol- 
lowed by  a  flood  of  rain. 

Wool  stood  appalled  at  the  prospect  of  turning  out  in 
such  a  storm,  upon  such  a  fruitless  errand. 

"  Oh,  you  may  stare,  and  roll  up  your  eyes  !  but  I 
mean  it,  you  varlet  !  So  be  off  with  you  ! — go  !  I  don't 
care  if  you  should  be  drowned  in  the  rain,  or  blown  o5  the 
horse,  or  struck  by  lightning.  I  hope  you  may  be,  you 
knave,  and  I  shall  be  rid  of  one  villain  !    Off,  you  varlet, 

or  "  Old  Hurricane  lifted  a  bronze  statuette  to  hurl  at 

"Wool's  delinquent  head,  but  that  functionary  dodged  and 
ran  out  in  time  to  escape  a  blow  that  might  have  put  a 
period  to  his  mortal  career. 

But  let  no  one  suppose  that  honest  Wool  took  the  road 
that  night.  He  simply  ran  down  stairs  and  hid  himself 
comfortably  in  the  lowest  regions  of  the  house,  there  to 
tarry  until  the  storms,  social  and  atmospheric,  should  be 
over. 

Meanwhile  the  night  deepened — the  storm  raged  with- 
out, and  Old  Hurricane  raged  within.  , 

The  lightning  flashed,  blaze  upon  blaze,  with  blinding 
glare.  The  thunder  broke,  crash  upon  crash,  with  deafen- 
ing roar.  The  wind  gathering  all  its  force  cannonaded  the 
old  walls  as  though  it  would  batter  down  the  house.  The 
^ain  fell  in  floods.  In  the  midst  of  all,  the  Demon's  Run, 
swollen  to  a  torrent,  was  heard  like  the  voice  of  a  roaring 
lion,  seeking  whom  he  might  devour." 

Old  Hurricane  strode  up  and  down  the  floor,  groaning, 
swearing,  threatening,  and  at  every  fresh  blast  of  the  storm 
without,  breaking  forth  into  fury. 

Mrs.  Condiment  sat  crouched  in  a  corner,  praying  fer- 
vently every  time  the  lightning  blazed  into  the  room,  long- 
ing to  go  and  join  the  men  and  maids  in  the  next  apart- 


830 


cap's  visit  to  the  hidden  house. 


ment^  yet  fearing  to  stir  from  her  seat  lest  she  should 
attract  Old  Hiirricane''s  attention,  and  draw  down  upon 
herself  the  more  terrible  thunder  and  ligiitning  of  his 
wrath.  But  to  escape  Old  Hurricane^s  violence  was  not  in 
the  power  of  ni'U'tal  man  cr  woman.  Soon  her  vei'y  still- 
ness exasperated  him,  and  he  broke  forth  upon  her  with  : 

'^^Mrs.  Condiment,  mum,  I  don^t  know  how  you  can 
leai'  to  sit  there  so  quietly  and  listen  to  this  storm,  know- 
ing that  the  poor  child  is  exposed  to  it 

"  Major  Wartield,  would  it  do  any  good  for  me  to  jump 
up  a.id  trot  up  and  down  the  floor,  and  go  on  as  you  do, 
even  supposing  I  had  the  strength  V  inquired  the  meek 
old  lady,  thoroughly  i:)rovoked  at  his  injustice. 

^Td  like  to  see  you  show  a  little  more  feeling.  You 
are  a  perfect  barbarian.  Oh,  Cap,  my  darling,  where  are 
you  now  ?  Heavens  !  what  a  blast  was  that  !  enough  to 
shake  the  house  about  our  ears  !  I  wish  it  luould — blamed 
if  I  don^t." 

Oh,  Major,  Major,  don't  say  such  awful  things  nor 
make  such  awful  wishes,"  said  the  appalled  old  lady;  "you 
don't  know  luliat  you  might  bring  down  upon  us." 

^^No,  nov  care ;  if  the  old  house  should  tumble  in,  it 
would  bury  underwits  ruins  a  precious  lot  of  good-for-noth- 
ing people,  unfit  to  live.  Heavens  !  what  a  flash  of  light- 
ning !  Oh,  Cap,  Cap,  my  darling,  where  are  you  in  this 
storm  ?  Mrs.  Condiment,  mum,  if  any  harm  comes  to 
Capitola  this  night,  I'll  have  you  indicted  for  manslaugh- 
ter." 

Major  Warfield,  if  it  is  all  on  Miss  Black's  account 
that  you  are  raving  and  raging  so,  I  think  it  is  quite  vain 
of  you  ;  for  any  young  woman  caught  out  in  a  storm  would 
know  enough  to  get  into  shelter  ;  especially  would  Miss 
Black,  who  is  a  young  lady  of  great  courage  and  presence 
of  mind,  as  we  know.  She  has  surely  gone  into  some 
house  to  remain  until  the  storm  is  over,"  said  Mrs.  Condi- 
ment, soothingly. 


CAP  S  VISIT  TO  T]IE  HIDDEN  HOUSE.  331 


This  speech,  so  well  intended,  exasperated  Old  Hurri- 
caue  more  than  all  the  rest.  Stopping  and  striking  his 
cane  upon  the  floor,  he  roared  forth  : 

^'  Hang  it,  mum  !  hold  your  foolish  old  tongue  !  You 
know  nothing  about  it.  Capitola  is  exposed  to  more  seri- 
ous dangers  than  the  elements.  Perils  of  all  sorts  surround 
her.  She  should  never,  rain  or  shine,  go  out  alone.  Oh, 
the  little  yillain  !  the  little  wretch!  the  little  demon  !  if 
EVER  I  get  her  safe  in  this  house  again,  won^t  I  lock  her 
up  and  keep  her  on  bread  and  water  until  she  learns  to 
behave  herself 

Here  again  a  blinding  flash  of  lightning,  a  deafening 
peal  of  thunder,  a  terrific  blast  of  wind  and  flood  of  rain 
suddenly  arrested  his  speech. 

Oh,  my  Cap  !  my  dear  Cap  !  I  needn^t  threaten  you  ! 
I  shall  never  have  the  chance  to  be  cruel  to  you  again — 
never.  You  will  perish  in  this  terrible  storm,  and  then — 
and  then  my  tough  old  heart  will  break,  it  will — it  will. 
Cap.  But  demmy,  before  it  does,  I  will  break  the  necks 
of  every  man  and  woman  in  this  house,  old  and  young. 
Hear  it.  Heaven  and  earth,  for  I'll  do  it 

All  things  must  have  an  end.  So,  as  the  hours  passed 
on,  the  storm  having  spent  all  its  fury,  gradually  grumbled 
irself  into  silence. 

Old  Hurricane  also  raged  into  a  state  of  exhaustion  so 
complete,  that  when  the  midnight  hour  struck  he  could 
only  drop  into  a  chair  and  murmur  : 

Twelve  o^clock,  and  no  news  of  her  yet  V 

And  then  unwillingly  he  went  to  bed,  attended  by  Mrs. 
Condiment  and  Pitapat  instead  of  Wool,  who  was  supposed 
to  be  out  in  search  of  Capitola,  but  who  was,  in  fact,  fast 
asleep  on  the  floor  of  a  dry  cellar. 

Meanwhile,  where  did  this  midnight  hour  find  Capitola  ? 


332 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


CHAPTER  XXXrV. 

THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 

•*  On  every  side  the  aspect  was  the  same, 
All  ruined,  desolate,  forlorn  and  savage, 
No  hand  or  foot  within  the  precinct  came 
To  rectify  or  ravage  1 

Here  Echo  never  mocked  the  human  tongue ; 

Some  weighty  crime  that  Heaven  could  not  pardon, 

A  secret  curse  on  that  old  Building  hung 

And  its  deserted  Garden  I"      — Hood's  Haunted  House. 

Cap  was  a  bit  of  a  Don  Quixote.  The  stirring  incidents 
of  the  last  few  months  had  spoiled  her  ;  the  monotony  of 
the  last  few  weeks  had  bored  her  ;  and  now  she  had  just 
ridden  out  in  quest  of  adventures. 

The  Old  Hidden  House,  with  its  mysterious  traditions, 
its  gloomy  surroundings  and  its  haunted  reputation,  had 
always  possessed  a  powerful  attraction  for  one  of  Cap's 
adventurous  snirit.  To  seek  and  gaze  upon  the  sombre 
house,  of  which,  and  of  whose  inmates,  such  terrible  stories 
had  been  told  ov  hinted,  had  always  been  a  secret  desire 
and  purpose  of  Capitola. 

And  now  the  presence  there  of  a  beautiful  girl  near  her 
own  age  was  the  one  last  item  that  tipped  the  balance, 
making  the  temptation  to  ride  thither  outweigh  every  other 
consideration  of  duty,  prudence  and  safety.  And  having 
once  started  on  the  adventure.  Cap  felt  the  attraction 
drawing  her  towards  the  frightful  hollow  of  the  Hidden 
House  growing  stronger  with  every  step  taken  thither- 
ward. 

She  reached  the  banks  of  the  "Demon's  Eun,"  and 
took  tho  left  hand  road  down  the  stream  until  she  reached 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


333 


the  left  point  of  the  Horse-Shoe  Mountain,,  and  then  going 
np  around  the  point,  she  kept  close  under  the  back  of  the 
range  until  she  had  got  immediately  in  the  rear  of  the 
round  bend  of  the    Horse  Shoe/^  behind  Hurricane  Hall. 

^^Well/^  said  Cap^  as  she  drew  rein  here,  and  looked 
up  at  the  lofty  ascent  of  gray  rocks  that  concealed  Hurri- 
cane Hall,  to  have  had  to  come  such  a  circuit  around  the 
outside  of  the  'Horse  Shoe/  to  find  myself  just  at  the  back 
of  our  old  house,  and  no  farther  from  home  than  this ! 
There^s  as  many  doubles  and  twists  iu  these  mountains  as 
there  are  in  a  lawyer's  discourse  !  There  !  G-yp,  you 
needn^'t  turn  back  again  and  pull  at  the  bridle,  to  tell  me 
that  there  is  a  storm  coming  up  and  that  you  want  to  go 
home!  I  have  no  more  respect  for  your  opinion  than  I 
have  for  Mrs.  Condiment^s.  Besides,  you  carry  a  damsel- 
errant  in  quest  of  adventures,  Gyp  !  and  so  you  must  on, 
Gyp  !  you  must  on  V'  said  Oapitola,  forcibly  pulling  her 
horse^s  head  around,  and  then  taking  a  survey  of  the  down- 
ward path. 

It  was  a  scene  fascinating  from  its  very  excess  of  gloom 
and  terror  ! 

It  was  a  valley  so  deep  and  dark  as  to  merit  the  name  of 
the  hollow,  or  hole,  but  for  its  great  extent  and  its  thick 
growth  of  forest,  through  which  spectral -looking  rocks 
gleamed,  and  moaning  waters  could  be  heard  but  not 
seen. 

"Now,  somewhere  in  that  thick  forest,  in  the  bottom 
of  that  vale,  stands  the  house — well  called  the  Hidden 
House,  since  not  a  chimney  of  it  can  be  seen  even  from 
this  commanding  height  !  But  I  suppose  this  path  that 
leads  down  into  the  valley  may  conduct  me  to  the  build- 
ing !  Come  along.  Gyp  !  You  needn't  turn  up  your  head 
and  pull  at  the  bit !  YouVe  got  to  go  !  I  am  bound  this 
night  to  see  the  outside  of  the  Hidden  House,  and  the  win- 
dow of  the  haunted  chamber  at  the  very  least, said  Cap, 


334 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


tlirowing  her  eyes  up  defiantly  towards  the  darkening  sky, 
and  putting  whip  to  her  unwilling  horse. 

As  the  path  wound  down  into  the  valley  the  woods  were 
found  deeper,  thicker  and  darker.  It  occupied  all  Cap's 
faculties  to  push  her  way  through  the  overhanging  and 
interlacing  branches  of  the  trees. 

Good  gracions,"  she  said,  as  she  used  her  left  arm 
rather  vigorously  to  push  aside  the  obstructions  to  her  path, 
one  would  think  this  were  the  enchanted  forest  contain- 
ing the  castle  of  the  sleeping  beauty,  and  I  was  the  knight 
destined  to  deliver  her  !  Tm  sure  it  wouldn't  have  been 
more  difficult.'' 

Still  deeper  fell  the  path,  thicker  grew  the  forest  and 
darker  the  way. 

Gyp,  I'm  under  the  impression  that  we  shall  have  to 
turn  back  yet,"  said  Cap  dolefully,  stopping  in  the  midst 
of  a  thicket  so  dense  that  it  completely  blockaded  her 
farther  progress  in  the  same  direction.  Just  as  she  came 
to  this  very  disagreeable  conclusion  she  spied  an  opening  on 
her  left,  from  which  a  bridle  path  struck  out.  With  an 
exclamation  of  joy,  she  immediately  turned  her  horse's  head 
and  struck  into  it.  This  path  was  very  rocky,  but  in  some 
degree  clearer  than  the  other,  and  she  went  on  quickly,  sing- 
ing to  herself,  until  gradually  her  voice  began  to  be  lost  in 
the  sound  of  many  rnshing  waters. 

It  must  be  the  Devil's  Punch  Bowl  I  am  approaching," 
she  said  to  herself,  as  she  went  on. 

She  was  right.  The  roaring  of  the  waters  grew  deafen- 
ing, and  the  path  became  so  rugged  with  jagged  and  irregu- 
larly piled  rocks,  that  Cap  could  scarcely  keep  her  horse 
upon  his  feet  in  climbing  over  them.  And  suddenly,  when 
she  least  looked  for  it,  the  great  natural  curiosity — the 
Devil's  Punch  Bowl — burst  upon  her  view. 

It  was  an  awful  abyss,  scooped  out  as  it  were  from  the 
very  bowels  of  the  earth,  with  its  steep  sides  rent  open  in 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


335 


dreadful  chasms,  and  far  down  in  its  fearful  depths  a  boil- 
ing whirlpool  of  black  waters. 

Urging  her  reluctant  steed  through  a  thicket  of  stunted 
thorns  and  over  a  choas  of  shattered  rocks,  Capitola 
approached  as  near  as  she  safely  could  to  the  brink  of  this 
awful  pit.  So  absorbed  was  she  in  gazing  upon  this  terri- 
ble phenomenon  of  natural  scenery  that  she  had  not  noticed 
in  the  thicket  on  her  right  a  low  hut  that,  with  its  brown- 
green  moldering  colors,  fell  so  naturally  in  with  the  hue  of 
the  surrounding  scenery  as  easily  to  escape  observation. 
She  did  not  even  observe  that  the  sky  was  entirely  overcast, 
and  the  thunder  was  muttering  in  the  distance.  She  was 
aroused  from  her  profound  reverie  by  a  voice  near  her 
asking  : 

^^Who  are  you  that  dares  to  come  without  a  guide  to 
the  Devil's  Puncli  Bowl  ?" 

Capitola  looked  around,  and  came  nearer  screaming 
than  she  ever  had  been  in  her  life,  upon  seeing  the  appari- 
tion that  stood  before  her.  Was  it  man,  woman,  beast  or 
demon  ?  She  could  not  tell.  It  was  a  very  tall,  spare 
form,  with  a  black  cloth  petticoat  tied  around  the  waist,  a 
blue  coat  buttoned  over  the  breast,  and  a  black  felt  hat 
tied  down  with  a  red  handkerchief,  shading  the  darkest 
old  face  she  had  ever  seen  in  her  life. 

Who  are  you,  I  say,  who  comes  to  the  Devirs  Punch 
Bowl  without  leave  or  license  ?"  repeated  the  frightful 
creature,  shifting  her  cane  from  one  hand  to  the  other. 

I?  I  am  Capitola  Black,  from  Hurricane  Hall ;  but 
who,  in  the  name  of  all  the  fates  and  furies  are  you?'' 
inquired  Capitola  ;  who,  in  getting  over  the  shock,  had 
recovered  her  courage. 

I  am  Harriet,  the  Seeress  of  Hidden  Hollow  !"  replied 
the  appa,rition,  in  a  melo-dramatic  manner  that  would  not 
have  discredited  the  Queen  of  Tragedy  herself,  "  Yon 
have  heard  of  me 


336 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


''Yes,  but  I  always  heard  you  called  Old  Uni  the 
Witch/'  said  Cap. 

"  The  world  is  profane — give  me  your  hand/'  said  the 
beldame,  reaching  out  her  own  to  take  that  of  Capitola. 
Stop  !  is  your  hand  clean  ?    It  looks  very  black." 

''  Cleaner  than  yours  will  be  when  it  is  stained  ivitJi  Hood, 
young  maiden." 

''Tut ! — if  you  insist  on  telling  my  fortune,  tell  me  a 
pleasant  one,  and  I  will  pay  you  double," laughed  Capitola. 

"  The  fates  are  not  to  be  mocked.  Your  destiny  will 
be  that  which  the  stars  decree.  To  prove  to  you  that  I 
know  this,  I  tell  you  that  you  are  not  what  you  have  been." 

"  You've  hit  it  this  time,  old  lady,  for  I  was  a  baby  once, 
and  now  I  am  a  young  girl,"  said  Cap,  laughing. 

"You  will  not  continue  to  be  that  which  you  are  now  !" 
pursued  the  hag,  still  attentively  reading  the  lines  of  her 
subject's  hand. 

"Eight  again  !  for  if  I  live  long  enough,  I  shall  be  an 
old  woman." 

"  You  bear  a  name  that  you  will  not  bear  long." 

"I  think  that  quite  a  safe  prophecy,  as  I  haven't  the 
most  distant  idea  of  being  an  old  maid." 

"  This  little  hand  of  yours — this  dainty  woman's  hand 
— will  be — red  with  blood." 

"  Now,  do  you  know,  I  don't  doubt  fhat  either  ?  I 
believe  it  altogether  probable  that  I  shall  have  to  cook  my 
husband's  dinner  and  kill  the  chickens  for  his  soup." 

"  Girl,  beware  !  you  deride  the  holy  stars  ! — and  already 
they  are  adverse  to  you  !"  said  the  hag,  with  a  threatening 
glare. 

"  Ha-ha-ha  !  I  love  the  beautiful  stars,  but  do  woi  fear 
them.    I  fear  only  Him  who  made  the  stars  !" 

"  Poor  butterfly,  listen  and  beware  ! — you  are  destined 
to  imbrue  that  little  hand  in  the  life  current  of  one  who 
loves  vou  the  most  of  all  on  earth.    You  are  destined  to  rise 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


337 


by  the  destruction  of  one  wlio  would  shed  his  heart's  best 
blood  for  you/'  said  the  beldame^  in  an  awful  voice. 

Capitola's  eyes  flashed.  She  advanced  her  horse  a  step 
or  two  nearer  the  witch^  and  raised  her  riding  whip,  say- 
ing: 

"  I  protest  if  you  were  only  a  man,  I  should  lay  this  lash 
over  your  wicked  shoulders  until  my  arms  ached  !  How 
dare  you  ?  Faith,  I  don't  wonder  that  in  the  honest  old 
times  such  pests  as  you  were  cooled  in  the  ducking  pond  ! 
Good  gracious,  that  must  have  made  a  hissing  and  splutter- 
ing in  the  water,  though  !" 

^'  Blasphemer  !  pay  and  be  gone  !" 
Pay  you  !  I  tell  you  I  would  if  you  were  only  a  man  ! 
but  it  would  be  sinful  to  pay  a  wretched  old  witch  in  the 
only  way  you  deserve  to  be  paid  !"  said  Cap,  flourishing  her 
riding-whip  before  a  creature  tall  enough  and  strong  enough 
to  have  doubled  up  her  slight  form  together  and  hurled  it 
into  the  abyss. 

Gold  !  gold  !"  said  the  hag,  curtly,  holding  out  black 
and  talon-like  fingers,  which  she  worked  convulsively. 

Gold  !  gold  indeed  !  for  such  a  wicked  fortune  !  not 
a  penny  !"  said  Cap. 

Ho  !  you're  stingy  ;  you  do  not  like  to  part  with  the 
yellow  demon  that  has  bought  the  souls  of  all  your  house  !" 

Don't  I  ? — you  shall  see  !  There  !  if  you  want  gold, 
go  fish  for  it  from  the  depth  of  the  whirlpool,"  said  Cap, 
taking  her  purse  and  casting  it  over  the  precipice. 
This  exasperated  the  crone  to  frenzy. 
''Away!  Begone!"  she  cried,  shaking  her  long  arm 
at  the  girl.  ''Away  !  Begone  !  the  fate  pursues  you  !  the 
badge  of  blood  is  stamped  upon  your  palm  !" 

'^'Fee—faio—fum  /'  "  said  Cap. 

"  Scorner  !  beware  I  the  curse  of  the  crimson  hand  is 
upon  you  I" 

— "  '  1  smell  the  Hood  of  an  Englishman '  contin- 
ued Cap. 


338 


THE  HIDDEN  HOLLOW. 


Derider  of  the  fates^  you  are  foredoomed  to  crime  V 
— *  Be  he  alive  or  he  he  dead,  I'll  have  .his  brains  to 
hutter  my  bread!'"  concluded  Cap. 

"  Be  Silent  \"  shrieked  the  beldame. 
I  won\^^  said  Cap,     because  you  see,  if  we  are  in 
for  the  horrible,  I  can  beat  you  hollow  at  that ! 

*  Avaunt  I  and  quit  my  sight!  t 
Let  the  earth  hide  thee  ! 

Thy  bones  are  marrowless !    Thy  blood  is  cold  I 
Thou  hast  no  speculation  in  those  eyes 
"Which  thou  dost  glare  with  !'  " 

Begone  !  you^re  doomed  !  doomed  !  doomed  \"  shrieked 
the  witch,  retreating  into  her  hut. 

Cap  laughed  and  stroked  the  neck  of  her  horse,  saying  : 
Gyp,  my  son,  that  was  old  Nick^s  wife  who  was  with 
us  just  this  instant ;  and  now,  indeed,  Gyp,  if  we  are  to  see 
the  Hidden  House  this  afternoon,  we  must  get  on.-'^ 

And  so  saying,  she  followed  the  path  that  wound  half 
around  the  Punch  Bowl,  and  then  along  the  side  of  a  little 
mountain  torrent  called  the  spout, — which,  rising  in  an 
opposite  mountain,  leaped  from  rock  to  rock,  with  many  a 
sinuous  turn,  as  it  wound  through  the  thicket  that  imme- 
diately surrounded  the  Hidden  House — until  it  finally 
jetted  through  a  subterranean  channel  into  the  Devil^s 
Punch  Bowl. 

Oapitola  was  now,  unconsciously,  upon  the  very  spot 
where,  seventeen  years  before,  the  old  nurse  had  been 
forcibly  stopped  and  compelled  to  attend  the  unknown 
lady. 

As  Oapitola  pursued  the  path  that  wound  lower  and 
lower  into  the  dark  valley,  the  gloom  of  the  thicket  deep- 
ened. Her  thoughts  ran  on  all  the  horrible  traditions 
connected  with  the  Hidden  House  and  Hollow — the  murder 
and  robbery  of  the  poor  peddler  j  the  mysterious  assassina- 


IHE  HIDDEN'  HOrSE. 


tioii  of  Eugene  Le  Xoir  ;  the  sndaeii  disappearance  of  liis 
Toutliful  widow  ;  the  strung'}  sights  and  sounds  reported  to 
he  hear  :  - si-.^u  about  the  mansion  ;  the  spectral  light  at 
the  .  ..le  window:  the  white  form  seen  flitung 

:h.;.;/.  :h:  :l.:.nvj-:  ;  dio-  pale  lady  that  in  the  dead  of 
nig!.:  drc-.v  me  cmmins  of  a  guest  that  once  had  slept 
there  ;  and  above  all,  Capitola  thought  of  the  beautiful, 
strange  ghd,  who  was  an  inmate  of  that  sinful  and  accursed 
house.  And  while  tliese  thoughts  absorbed  her  mind, 
suddenly  in  a  turning  of  the  path,  she  came  full  upon  the 
gloomy  building. 


CHAPTER.  XXXV. 

THE  HTDDEX  HOUSE. 

**  The  very  stains  and  fractures  on  the  wall, 
Assuming  features  solemn  and  terrific, 
Hinted  some  t    :  ?      of  that  old  hall 
Locked  up  i:\       _  yphic  I 
Prophetic  hints  that  filled  the  soul  with  dread ; 
But  to  one  gloomy  window  pointing  mostly, 
Ttie  while  some  secret  inspiration  said, 
That  chamber  is  the  ghostly!"  — Hood. 

The  Hidden  House  was  a  large,  irregular  edifice,  of  dark 
red  sandstone,  with  its  walls  covered  closely  with  the  cling- 
ing ivy,  that  had  been  clipped  away  only  from  a  few  of  the 
doors  and  windows,,  and  its  roof  over-shadowed  by  the  top 
branches  of  gigantic  oaks  and  elms  that  clustered  around 
and  nearly  concealed  the  building. 

It  might  have  been  a  long-forsaken  house  for  any  sign 
of  human  habitation  that  was  to  be  seen  about  it.  All  was 
silent,  solitary  and  gloomy. 


340 


THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


As  Oapitola  drew  up  her  horse  to  gaze  upon  its  sombre 
walls,  she  wondered  which  was  the  window  at  which  the 
spectral  light  and  ghostly  face  had  been  seen.  She  soon 
believed  that  she  had  found  it. 

At  the  highest  point  of  the  building,  immediately  under 
the  sharp  angle  of  the  roof,  in  the  gable  end  nearest  to  view, 
was  a  solitary  window.  The  ivy  that  clung  tightly  to  the 
stone,  covering  every  portion  of  the  wall  at  this  end,  was 
clipped  away  from  that  high-placed,  dark  and  lonely  win- 
dow by  which  Oapitola^s  eyes  were  strangely  fascinated. 

While  thus  she  gazed  in  wonder,  interest  and  curiosity, 
though  without  the  least  degree  of  superstitous  dread,  a 
vision  flashed  upon  her  sight,  that  sent  the  blood  from  her 
ruddy  cheek  to  her  brave  heart  and  shook  the  foundations  of 
her  unbelief ! 

For  while  she  gazed,  suddenly  that  dark  window  was 
illumined  by  a  strange,  unearthly  light  that  streamed  forth 
into  the  gloomy  evening  air,  and  touched  with  blue  flame 
the  quivering  leaves  of  every  tree  in  its  brilliant  line  !  In 
the  midst  of  this  lighted  window  appeared  a  white  female 
face  wild  with  woe  !  And  then  the  face  suddenly  vanished 
and  the  light  was  swallowed  up  in  darkness  ! 

Oapitola  remained  transfixed ! 
Great  Heaven  \"  she  thought,  can  these  things 
really  be  !  Have  the  ghostly  traditions  of  this  world,  truth 
in  them  at  last  ?  When  I  heard  this  story  of  the  haunted 
window  I  thought  some  one  had  surely  imagined  or  invented 
it  !  Now  I  have  seen  for  myself !  but  if  I  were  to  tell 
what  I  have  seen  not  one  in  a  hundred  would  believe  me  V 

While  these  startling  thoughts  disturbed  her  usual  well 
balanced  mind,  a  vivid  flash  of  lightning,  accompanied  by 
a  tremendous  peal  of  thunder  and  a  heavy  fall  of  rain, 
roused  her  into  renewed  activity. 

G-yp,  my  boy,  the  storm  is  upon  us  sure  enough  !  We 
shall  catch  it  all  around  !  get  well  drowned,  beaten  and 
buffeted  here  and  well  abused  when  we  get  home.  Mean- 


THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


341 


time,  Gyp,  which  is  the  worst,  the  full  fury  of  the  tempest 
or  the  mysterious  terrors  of  the  haunted  house  I" 

Another  blinding  flash  of  lightning,  a  stunning  crash 
of  thunder,  a  flood  of  rain  and  tornado  of  wind  decided 
her. 

We'll  take  the  haunted  house,  Gyp,  my  friend.  That 
spectral  lady  of  the  lighted  window  looked  rather  in  sorrow 
than  in  anger,  and  who  knows  but  the  ghosts  may  be  hos- 
pitable ?  So  gee  up,  Dobbin,"^  said  Capitola.,  and  urging 
her  horse  with  one  hand  and  holding  on  her  cap  with  the 
other,  she  went  on  against  wind  and  rain  until  she  reached 
the  front  of  the  old  house. 

Not  a  creature  was  to  be  seen  ;  every  door  and  window 
was  closely  shut.  Dismounting  Capitola  led  her  horse 
under  the  shelter  of  a  thickly  leaved  old  oak  tree,  secured 
him  and  then  holding  up  her  saturated  skirt  with  one  hand 
and  holding  on  her  cap  with  the  other,  she  went  up  some 
mouldering  stone  steps  to  an  old  stone  portico,  and  seizing 
the  heavy  iron  knocker  of  a  great  black  oak  double  door, 
she  knocked  loudly  enough  to  awaken  all  the  mountain 
echoes. 

She  waited  a  few  minutes  for  an  answer,  but  receiving 
none,  she  knocked  again  more  loudly  than  before.  Still 
there  was  no  reply.  And  growing  impatient,  she  seized  the 
knocker  with  both  hands  and  exerting  all  her  strength, 
made  the  welkin  ring  again. 

This  brought  a  response.  The  door  was  unlocked  and 
angrily  jerked  open,  by  a  short,  squarely  formed,  beetle- 
browed,  stern  looking  woman,  clothed  in  a  black  stuff  gown 
and  having  a  stiff  muslin  cap  upon  her  head. 

"Who  are  you?  What  do  you  want  here?"  harshly 
demanded  this  woman,  whom  Capitola  instinctively  recog- 
nized as  Dorky  Knight,  the  morose  housekeeper  of  the 
Hidden  House. 

"  Who  am  I  ?  What  do  I  want  ?  Old  Nick  fly  away 
with  you,  it's  plain  enough  to  be  seen  who  I  am  and  what 


842 


THE  HIDt)^:N  SOUSE. 


I  want.  I  am  a  young  woman  caiiglifc  out  in  the  storm, 
and  I  w^ant  shelter  said  Cap  indignantly.  And  her  words 
were  endorsed  by  a  terrific  burst  of  the  tempest  in  light- 
ning, thunder,  wind  and  rain. 

Come  in  then  and  when  you  ask  favors  learn  to  keep 
a  civil  tongue  in  your  head/'  said  the  woman  sternly,  tak- 
ing the  guest  by  the  hand  and  pulling  her  in,  and  shutting 
and  locking  the  door. 

"  Favors  !  plague  on  you  for  a  bearess  !  I  ask  no  favor  ! 
every  storm-beaten  traveler  has  a  right  to  shelter  under  the 
first  roof  that  offers,  and  none  but  a  curmudgeon  would 
tiiink  of  calling  it  a  favor  !  And  as  for  keeping  a  civil 
tongue  in  my  head,  I'll  do  it  when  you  set  me  the  exam- 
ple V  said  Cap. 

Who  are  you  ?"  again  demanded  the  woman. 

Oh,  I  see  you  are  no  Arabian  in  your  notions  of  hos- 
pitality ! — Those  pagans  entertain  a  guest  without  asking 
him  a  single  question  ;  and  though  he  were  their  bitterest 
foe,  they  consider  him,  while  he  rests  beneath  their  tent, 
sacred  from  intrusion/' 

That's  because  they  are  pagans,"  said  Dorky.  ''But 
as  I  am  a  Christian,  I'd  thank  you  to  let  me  know  who  it 
is  that  I  have  received  under  tliis  roof." 

My  name,"  said  our  heroine  impatiently  "is  Capitola 
Black  !  I  live  with  my  uncle.  Major  Warfield,  at  Hurri- 
cane Hall.  And  now,  I  should  thank  your  ladyship  to 
send  some  one  to  put  away  my  horse,  while  you  yourself 
accommodate  me  with  dry  clothes." 

While  our  saucy  little  heroine  spoke  the  whole  aspect 
of  tlie  dark-browed  woman  changed. 

''^Capitola — Capitola,"  she  muttered,  gazing  earnestly 
upon  the  face  of  the  unwelcome  guest. 

''Yes!  Capitola!  that  is  my  name;  you  never  heard 
anything  against  it,  did  you  ?" 

For  all  answer  the  women  seized  her  hand,  and  while  ^ 
the  lightning  flashed,  and  the  thunder  rolled,  and  the  wind 


THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


343 


and  rain  beat  down,  slie  drew  her  the  whole  length  of  the 
hall  before  a  back  window  that  overlooked  the  neglected 
garden^  and  regardless  of  the  electric  fluid  that  incessantly 
blazed  upon  them,  she  held  her  there  and  scrutinized  her 
features. 

Well !  I  like  this  !  upon  my  word,  I  do  said  Cap, 
composedly. 

"Without  replying  the  strange  woman  seized  her  right 
hand,  forcibly  opened  it,  gazed  upon  the  palm,  and  then 
flinging  it  back  with  a  shudder,  exclaimed  : 

Capitola,  what  brought  you  under  this  roof  !  Away  ! 
Begone !  Mount  3^our  horse  and  fly  while  there  is  yet 
time.'' 

What !  expose  myself  again  to  the  storm  ?  I  won't, 
and  that's  flat,"  said  Cap. 

'^Girl  !  girl  !  there  are  worse  dangers  in  the  world  than 
any  to  be  feared  from  thunder,  lightning,  rain,  or  wind." 

Very  well,  then,  when  I  meet  them,  it  will  be  time 
enough  to  deal  with  them  !  Meanwhile  the  stormy  night 
and  my  soaked  clothing  are  very  palpable  evils,  and  as  I 
sec  no  good  end  to  be  gained  by  my  longer  enduring  them, 
I  will  just  beg  you  to  stop  sooth-saying — (as  I  have  had 
enough  of  that  from  another  old  witch) — and  be  so  good  as 
to  permit  me  to  change  my  clothes." 

It  is  madness  !  You  shall  not  stay  here,"  cried  the 
woman,  in  a  harsh  voice. 

And  I  tell  you  I  will !  You  are  not  the  head  of  the 
family,  and  I  do  not  intend  to  be  turned  out  by  you." 

While  she  spoke,  a  servant  crossed  the  hall,  and  the 
woman,  whisking  Capitola  around  until  her  back  was  turned, 
and  her  face  concealed,  went  to  speak  to  the  new  comer. 

When  will  your  master  be  here  ?"  Capitola  heard  hei 
inquire. 

**Not  to-night;  he  saw  the  storm  rising  and  did  not 
wish  to  expose  himself ;  he  sent  me  on  to  say  that  he  would 


344 


THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


not  be  here  until  morning  ;  I  was  caught  as  you  see  !    I  am 

dripping  wet/'  replied  the  man. 

^^Go  change  your  clothes  at  once,  then,  Davy/^ 
''Who  is  that  stranger      asked  the  man,  pointing  to 

Capitola. 

Some  young  woman  of  the  neighborhood,  who  has  been 
caught  out  in  the  tempest.  But  you  had  better  go  and 
change  your  clothes  than  to  stand  here  gossipping,*^  said  the 
woman  liarshly. 

''I  say,^^  said  the  man,  the  young  woman  is  a  God-send 
to  Miss  Clara  ;  nobody  has  been  to  see  her  yet ;  nobody  ever 
visits  this  house  unless  they  are  driven  to  it ;  I  don't  wonder 
the  colonel  and  our  young  master  pass  as  much  as  ten  mouths 
in  the  year  away  from  home,  spending  all  the  summer  at  the 
watering  places,  and  all  the  winter  in  ISTew  York  or  Wash- 
ington ?" 

''Hold  your  tougue  !  what  right  have  you  to  complain  ? 
You  always  attend  them  in  their  travels  V 

"  True  ;  but  you  see  for  this  last  season,  they  have  both 
been  staying  Jiere,  old  master  to  watch  the  heiress,  young 
master  to  court  her,  and  as  I  have  no  interest  in  that  game, 
I  find  the  time  hang  heavy  on  my  hands,''  complained  the 
man. 

"  It  will  hang  heavier  if  you  take  a  long  fit  of  illness  by 
standing  in  wet  clothes,''  muttered  the  woman. 

"Why,  so 'twill,  missus!  so  here  goes,"  assented  the 
man,  hurrying  across  the  hall  and  passing  out  through  the 
door  opposite  that  by  which  he  entered. 

Dorcas  returned  to  her  guest. 

Eyeing  her  closely  for  a  while,  she  at  length  inquired  : 
"  Capitola,  how  long  have  you  lived  at  Hurricane 
Hall  ?" 

"So  long,"  replied  Cap,  "  that  you  must  have  heard  of 
me.  I,  at  least,  have  often  heard  of  Mother  Dorkey 
Knight !" 

"  And  heard  no  good  of  her.'* 


THE  HIDDEX  HOUSE. 


345 


Well,       to  be  candid  Tvitb  YOU,  I  never  did,"  said 

Cap. 

And  much  harm  of  lier  continued  the  woman, 
keeping  her  stern  black  eyes  fixed  upon  those  of  her 
guest. 

^' Well,  yes — since  you  ask  me,  I  have  heard  pretty  con- 
siderable harm  V  answered  Cap,  nothing  daunted. 

Where  did  you  live  before  you  came  to  Hurricane 
Hall  r  asked  Dorcas. 

Where  I  learned  to  fear  God,  to  speak  the  truth,  and 
to  shame  the  devil  I"-*  replied  Cap. 

 And  to  force  yourself  intopeople^s  liouses  against 

their  will  I'*' 

There  you  are  again  I    I  tell  you  that  when  I  learn 
from  the  head  of  this  hotisehold  that  I  am  unwelcome,  then 
I  will  retreat,  and  not  until  then  I    And  now  I  demand  to 
be  prusenrcd  to  the  master.'' 
-'^To  Colonel  Le  Xoir 
Yes.'"' 

^^I  cannot  curse  you  with  the  ^the  curse  of  a  granted 
prayer  I'    Colonel  Le  Xoir  is  awav  ** 

Why  do  you  talk  so  strangely      inquired  Capitola. 

It  is  my  whim.    Perhaps  my  head  is  light.'"'' 

T  should  think  it  was,  excessively  so  I  Well — as  the 
master  of  the  hotise  is  away,  be  good  enough  to  present  me 
to  the  mistress 

'■^What  rni-ti' CSS  ?  there  is  no  mistress  here  I"'  replied 
Dorcas,  looking  ai'jur.d  iii  strange  trepidation. 

''•'I  mean  the  y^'ung  L;:.  ly,  Colonel  Le  Xoir's  ward.  li\ 
lien  of  ar- V  cti^er  lady,  she.  I  suppose,  may  be  considered  the 
mistress  o:  the  house  I"'" 

Humph  I  well,  yotmg  girl,  as  you  are  fully  resolved  to 
stand  your  ground,  I  suppose  there  is  nothing  to  do  but  to 
put  up  with  you  V  said  Dorcas. 

And  put  tip  my  horse, '"^  added  Cap. 


346 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


He  shall  be  taken  care  of  !  But  mind,  you  must  de- 
|)art  early  in  the  morning/^  said  Dorcas,  sternly. 

"  Once  more,  and  for  the  last.  Mother  Cerberus,  I  assure 
you  I  do  Dot  ackuowledge  your  authority  to  dismiss  me,^' 
retorted  Oapitola,  ^^so  show  me  to  the  presence  of  your 
mistress  \" 

^'Perverse,  like  all  the  rest!  Follow  me  said  the 
housekeeper,  leading  the  way  from  the  hall  towards  a  back 
parlor. 


CHAPTEE  XXXVL 

THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN"  HOUSE. 

**  There  is  a  light  around  her  brow, 
A  holiness  in  those  dark  eyes, 
That  show,  though  wandering  earthward  now, 
Her  spirit's  home  is  in  the  skies."  — ^Moore. 

Pushing  open  the  door,  Dorcas  Knight  exclaimed  : 
Here  is  a  youug  lady.  Miss  Black,  from  Hurricane 
Hall,  come  to  see  you.  Miss  Day." 

And  having  made  this  announcement,  the  woman 
retired  and  shut  the  door  behind  her. 

And  Oapitola  found  herself  in  a  large,  dark,  gloomy, 
wainscotted  room,  whose  tall,  narrow  windows  afforded  but 
little  light,  and  whose  immense  fire-place  and  blackened 
furniture  seemed  to  helong  to  a  past  century. 

The  only  occupant  of  this  sombre  apartment  was  a 
young  girl,  seated  in  pensive  thought  beside  the  central 
table.  She  was  clothed  in  deep  mourning,  which  only 
served  to  throw  into  fairer  relief  the  beauty  of  her  pearly 
skin,  golden  hair  and  violet  eyes. 

The  vision  of  her  mourning  robes  and  melancholy 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEX  HOUSE. 


beauty  so  deeply  impressed  Capitola,  that  almost  for  the 
first  time  in  her  life,  she  hesitated,  from  a  feeling  of  diffi- 
dence, and  said  gently  : 

'^Indeed,  I  fear  that  this  is  an  unwarranted  intrusion 
on  my  part,  Miss  Day/^ 

You  are  very  welcome,'^  replied  the  SAveetest  voice 
Capitola  had  ever  heard,  as  the  young  girl  arose  and 
advanced  to  meet  her.  But  you  have  been  exposed  to 
the  storm.  Please  come  into  my  room  aud  change  yonr 
clothes, continued  the  young  hostess  as  she  took  Oap^s 
hand  and  led  her  into  an  adjoining  room. 

The  storm  was  still  raging  ;  but  these  apartments  being 
in  the  central  portion  of  the  strong  old  house,  were  but 
little  exposed  to  the  sight  or  sound  of  its  fury. 

There  was  a  lamp  burning  upon  the  mantel-piece,  by 
the  light  of  which  the  young  girl  furnished  her  visitor  with 
dry  clothing,  and  assisted  her  to  change — saying  as  she  did 
so  : 

'^I  think  we  are  about  the  same  size,  and  that  my 
clothes  will  fit  you ;  but  I  will  not  offer  you  mourning 
habiliments  ;  you  shall  have  this  lilac  silk." 

''I  am  very  sorry  to  see  you  in  mourning,^'  said  Capi- 
tola, earnestly. 

It  is  for  my  father,"^  replied  Clara,  very  softly. 

As  they  spoke,  the  eyes  of  the  two  young  girls  met. 
They  were  both  good  physiognomists  and  intuitive  judges 
of  character.  Consequently,  in  the  full  meeting  of  their 
eyes,  they  read,  understood  and  appreciated  each  other. 

The  pure,  grave  and  gentle  expression  of  Clara^s  coun- 
tenance, touched  the  heart  of  Capitola. 

The  bright,  frank,  honest  face  of  Cap  recommended 
her  to  Clara. 

The  very  opposite  traits  of  their  equally  truthful  char- 
acters attracted  them  to  each  other. 

Clara  conducted  her  guest  back  into  the  wainscotted 
parlor,  where  a  cheerful  fire  had  been  kindled  to  correct 


348  THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 

the  dampness  of  the  air.  And  here  they  sat  down  unmind- 
ful of  the  storm  that  came  much  subdued  through  the 
thickness  of  the  walls.  And,  as  young  creatures,  however 
tried  and  sorrowful^  will  do,  they  entered  into  a  friendly 
chat.  And  before  an  hour  had  passed  Capitola  thought 
herself  well  repaid  for  her  sufferings  from  the  storm  and 
the  rebuff,  in  having  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Clara 
Day. 

She  resolved,  let  Old  Hurricane  rage  as  he  might, 
henceforth  she  would  be  a  frequent  visitor  to  the  Hidden 
House. 

And  Clara,  for  her  part,  felt  that  in  Capitola  she  had 
found  a  frank,  spirited,  faithful  neighbor  who  might  be- 
come an  estimable  friend. 

While  they  were  thus  growing  into  each  other's  favor, 
the  door  opened  and  admitted  a  gentleman  of  tall  and  thin 
figure,  and  white  and  emaciated  face,  shaded  by  a  luxuri- 
ant growth  of  glossy  black  hair  and  beard.  He  could  not 
have  been  more  than  twenty-six,  but  prematurely  broken 
by  vice,  he  seemed  forty  years  of  age.  He  advanced,  bow- 
ing, towards  the  young  women. 

As  Capitola^s  eyes  fell  upon  this  new-comer  it  reqidred 
all  her  presence  of  mind  and  power  of  self-control  to  pre- 
vent her  from  starting  or  otherwise  betraying  herself — for 
in  this  stranger  she  recognized  the  very  man  who  had 
stopped  her  upon  her  night  ride  !  She  did,  however,  suc- 
ceed in  banishing  from  her  face  every  expression  of  con- 
sciousness. And  when  Miss  Day  courteously  presented  him 
to  her  guest,  saying  merely  : 

My  cousin,  Mr.  Craven  Le  Noir,  Miss  Black," — Capi- 
tola arose  and  curtsied  as  composedly  as  if  she  had  never 
set  eyes  upon  his  face  before. 

He,  on  his  part,  evidently  remembered  her,  and  sent 
one  stealthy,  keen  and  scrutinizing  glance  into  her  face  ; 
but  finding  that  imperturbable,  he  bowed  with  stately 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE.  349 

politeness,  and  seemed  satisfied  that  she  had  not  identified 
him  as  her  assailant. 

Craven  Le  Noir  drew  his  chair  to  the  fire,  seated  himself, 
and  entered  into  an  easy  conyersation  with  Clara  and  her 
guest.  Whenever  he  addressed  Clara  there  was  a  deference 
and  tenderness  in  his  tone  and  glance  that  seemed  very  dis- 
pleasing to  the  fair  girl,  who  received  all  these  delicate 
attentions  with  coldness  and  reserve.  These  things  did  not 
escape  the  notice  of  Capitola,  who  mentally  concluded  that 
Craven  Le  Noir  was  a  lover  of  Clara  Day,  but  a  most  unac- 
ceptable one. 

When  supper  was  announced,  it  was  evidently  hailed  by 
Clara  as  a  great  relief.  And  after  the  meal  was  over,  she 
arose  and  excnsed  herself  to  her  cousin,  by  saying  that  her 
guest.  Miss  Black,  had  been  exposed  to  the  storm,  and  was 
doubtless  very  much  fatigued  and  that  she  would  show  her 
to  her  chamber. 

Then  taking  a  night-lamp  she  invited  Capitola  to  come, 
and  conducted  her  to  an  old-fashioned  upper  chamber, 
where  a  cheerful  fire  was  burning  on  the  hearth.  Here  the 
young  girls  sat  down  before  the  fire  and  improved  their 
acquaintance  by  an  hour's  conversation.  After  which  Clara 
arose,  and  saying  : 

I  sleep  immediately  below  your  room.  Miss  Black.  If 
you  should  want  anything,  rap  on  the  floor,  and  I  shall  hear 
you  and  get  up.-*^ 

She  wished  her  guest  a  good  night's  rest,  and  retired 
from  the  room. 

Cap  was  disinclined  to  sleep;  a  strange,  superstitious 
feeling  which  she  could  neither  understand  nor  throw  off, 
had  fallen  upon  her  spirits. 

She  took  the  night-lamp  in  her  hand  and  got  up  to 
examine  her  chamber.  It  was  a  large,  dark,  oak-pannelled 
room,  with  a  dark  carpet  on  the  floor,  and  dark  green  cur- 
tains on  the  windows  and  the  bedstead.  Over  the  mantel- 
piece hung  the  portrait  of  a  most  beautiful  black-haired  and 


350 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN"  HOUSE. 


black-eyed  girl  of  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  but  upon 
whose  infantile  brow  fell  the  shadow  of  some  fearful  woe. 
There  was  something  awful  in  the  despair  on  that  face,  so 
young/^  that  bound  the  gazer  in  an  irresistible  and  most 
painful  spell.  And  Oapitola  remained  standing  before  it 
transfixed,  until  the  striking  of  the  hall-clock  aroused  her 
from  her  enchantment.  Wondering  who  the  young  creature 
could  have  been,  what  had  been  her  history,  and  above  all 
what  liad  been  the  nature  of  that  fearful  woe  that  darkened 
like  a  curse  her  angel  brow,  Capitola  turned  almost  sorrow- 
fully away,  and  began  to  prepare  for  bed. 

She  undressed,  put  on  the  delicate  night-clothes  Clara 
had  provided  for  her  use,  said  her  evening  prayers — loohed 
under  the  led — a  precaution  taken  ever  since  the  night  upon 
which  she  had  discovered  the  burglars — and  finding  all 
right,  she  blew  out  her  candle  and  lay  down.  She  could 
not  sleep — many  persons  of  nervous  or  mercurial  tempera- 
ments cannot  do  so  the  first  night  in  a  strange  bed.  Cap 
was  very  mercurial,  and  the  bed  and  room  in  which  she  lay 
were  very  strange  ;  for  the  first  time  since  she  had  had  a 
home  to  call  her  own,  she  was  unexpectedly  staying  all  night 
away  from  her  friends,  and  without  their  having  any  knowl- 
edge of  her  whereabouts  ;  she  was  conjecturing,  half  in  fear 
and  half  in  fun,  how  old  Hurricane  was  taking  her  esca- 
pade, and  what  he  would  say  to  her  in  the  morning  !  She 
was  wondering  to  find  herself  in  such  an  unforeseen  posi- 
tion as  that  of  a  night-guest  in  the  mysterious  Hidden  House 
— wondering  whether  this  v.^ere  the  guest-chamber  in  which 
the  ghost  appeared  to  the  ofiScer,  and  these  were  the  very 
curtains  that  the  pale  lady  drew  at  night.  While  her 
thoughts  were  thus  running  over  the  whole  range  of  circum- 
stances around  her  singular  position,  sleep  overtook  Capi- 
tola, and  speculation  was  lost  in  brighter  visions. 

How  long  she  had  slept  and  dreamed  she  did  not  know, 
when  something  gently  awakened  her.    She  opened  her 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE.  351 

eyes  calmly — to  meet  a  vision  that^  brave  as  she  was^  nearly 
froze  the  blood  in  her  warm  veins  ! 

Her  chamber  was  illumined  with  an  intense  blue  flame 
that  lighted  up  every  portion  of  the  apartment  with  a  radi- 
ance bright  as  day  ;  and  in  the  midst  of  this  effulgence 
moved  a  figure  clothed  in  white — a  beautiful,  pale,  spectral 
woman,  whose  large,  motionless  black  eyes,  deeply  set  in 
her  death-like  face,  and  whose  long,  unbound  black  hair, 
fallen  upon  her  white  raiment,  were  the  only  marks  of 
color  about  her  marble  form. 

Paralyzed  with  wonder,  Capitola  watched  this  figure  as 
it  glided  about  the  chamber.  The  apparition  ajDproached 
the  dressing-table,  seemed  to  take  something  thence,  and 
then  gliding  towards  the  bed — to  Capitola^s  inexpressible 
horror — drew  back  the  curtains  and  bent  down  and  gazed 
upon  her  !  Capitola  had  no  power  to  scream,  to  move,  or 
to  avert  her  gaze  from  those  awful  eyes  that  met  her  own, 
nntil  at  length,  as  the  spectral  head  bent  lower,  she  felt  the 
pressure  of  a  pair  of  icy  lips  upon  her  brow,  and  closed  her 
eyes  ! 

When  she  opened  them  again  the  vision  had  departed 
and  the  room  was  dark  and  quiet. 

There  was  no  more  sleep  for  Capitola.  She  heard  the 
clock  strike  four,  and  was  pleased  to  find  that  it  was  so 
near  day.  Still  the  time  seemed  very  long  to  her  who  lay 
there  wondering,  conjecturing  and  speculating  on  the 
strange  adventure  of  the  night. 

When  the  sun  arose,  she  left  her  restless  bed,  bathed 
her  excited  head,  and  proceeded  to  dress  herself.  When 
she  had  finished  her  toilet,  with  the  exQeption  of  putting 
on  her  trinkets,  she  suddenly  missed  a  ring  that  she  prized 
more  than  she  did  all  her  possessions  put  together — it  was 
a  plain  gold  band,  bearing  on  the  inner  side  the  inscrip- 
tion— Capitola — Eugene — and  which  she  had  been  enjoined 
by  her  old  nurse  never  to  part  from  but  with  life.  She 
had,  in  her  days  of  destitution,  suffered  the  extremes  of 


352 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


cold  and  hunger — had  been  upon  the  very  brink  of  death 
from  starvation  or  freezing,  but  without  ever  dreaming  of 
sacrificing  her  ring.  Aud  now  for  the  first  time  it  was 
missing.  While  she  was  still  looking  anxiously  for  the  lost 
jewel  the  door  opened,  aud  Dorcas  Knight  entered  the 
room,  bearing  on  her  arm  Capitola's  riding-dress,  Avhicli 
had  been  well  dried  and  ironed. 

"  Miss  Capitola,  here  is  your  habit ;  you  had  better  put 
it  on  at  once,  as  I  have  ordered  breakfast  an  hour  sooner 
than  usual,  so  that  you  may  have  an  early  start. 

Upon  my  word,  you  are  very  anxious  to  get  rid  of 
me  ;  but  not  more  so  than  I  am  to  depart  V  said  Capitol  a, 
still  pursuing  her  search. 

Your  friends,  who  do  not  know  where  you  are,  must 
be  very  uneasy  about  you.  But  what  are  you  looking 
for  r 

''A  ring — a  plain  gold  circle  with  my  name  and  that  of 
another  inscribed  on  it,  and  which  I  would  not  lose  for  the 
world.  I  hung  it  on  a  pin,  on  this  pin-cushion,  last  night 
before  I  went  to  bed— I  would  swear  I  did  !  and  now  it  is 
missing,"  answered  Cap,  still  pursuing  her  search. 

''If  you  lost  it  in  this  room,  it  will  certainly  be  found," 
said  Dorcas  Knight,  putting  down  the  habit  and  helping 
in  the  search. 

"  I  am  not  so  sure  of  that.  There  was  some  one  in  my 
room  last  night." 

"  Some  one  in  your  room  !"  exclaimed  Dorcas  in  dis- 
may. 

''  Yes  ;  a  dark-haired  woman,  all  dressed  in  white." 

Dorcas  Knight  gave  two  or  three  angry  grunts,  and 
then  harshly  exclaimed  : 

''Nonsense!  Woman,  indeed!  There  is  no  such 
woman  about  the  house  !  There  are  no  females  here  except 
Miss  Day,  myself,  and  you — not  even  a  waiting-maid  or 
cook." 

"Well,"  said  Cap,  "if  it  was  not  a  woman,  it  was  a 


THE  INMATE  OF  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 


353 


gliost_,  for  I  was  wide  awake  and  I  sa^  it  witli  niy  own 
eyes." 

"  Fudge  ;  youVe  heard  that  foolisli  story  of  the  haunted 
room,  and  you  have  dreamed  the  whole  thing. •'^ 

I  tell  you  I  didn't.  I  saw  it.  Don't  I  know 
I  say  you  dreamed  it  !  There  is  no  such  living 
woman  here  ;  and  as  for  a  ghost^  that  is  all  folly  ?  And  I 
mtist  heg,  Miss  Black,  that  you  will  not  distress  Miss  Day 
by  telling  her  this  strange  dream  of  yours.  She  has  never 
heard  the  ridiculous  story  of  the  haunted  room,  and  as  she 
lives  here  in  solitude,  I  would  not  like  her  to  hear  of  it." 

^^Oh,  I  will  say  nothing  to  disquiet  Miss  Day.  But  it 
was  no  dream.  It  was  7'eal,  if  there  is  any  reality  in  this 
world.'' 

There  was  no  more  said.  They  continued  to  look  for 
the  ring,  but  in  vain.  Dorcas  Knight,  however,  assured 
her  guest  that  it  should  be  found  and  returned,  and  that — 
breakfast  waited.  Whereupon  Capitola  went  down  to  the 
parlor,  where  she  found  Clara  awaiting  her  presence  to  give 
her  a  kindly  greeting. 

Mr.  Le  I^oir  never  gets  up  until  very  late,  and  so'  we 
do  not  wait  for  him,"  said  Dorcas  Knight,  as  she  took  her 
seat  at  the  head  of  the  table,  and  signed  to  the  young  girls 
to  gather  around  it. 

After  breakfast,  Capitola,  promising  to  come  again 
soon,  and  inviting  Clara  to  return  her  visit,  took  leave  of 
her  entertainers  and  set  out  for  home. 

"  Thank  Heaven  I  have  got  her  off  in  time  and  safety  !" 
muttered  Dorcas  Knight,  in  triumph. 


354 


CAP^S  KETURN. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIL 

cap's  KETUElf. 

*'  Must  I  give  way  and  room  for  your  rash  choler 
Shall  I  be  frighted  when  a  madman  stares  ? 
Go  show  your  slaves  how  choleric  you  are ! 
And  make  your  bondsmen  tremble  !  I'll  not  blench." 

— Shakespeaee. 

It  liaj)peued  that  about  sunrise  that  morning,  Wool 
awoke  in  tlio  cellar,  and  remembered  that  upon  the  night 
previous  his  master  had  commanded  him  to  sally  forth  in 
the  storm  and  seek  his  young  mistress,  and  liad  forbidden 
him,  on  pain  of  broken  Ijones,  to  return  without  bringing 
her  safe.  Therefore,  what  did  the  honest  soul  do  but  to 
steal  out  to  the  stables,  saddle  and  mount  a  horse,  and  ride 
back  to  the  house  just  as  Mrs.  Condiment  had  come  out 
into  the  poultry-yard  to  get  eggs  for  breakfast. 

Missus  Compliment,  ma^im,  Ise  been  oat  all  night  in 
search  of  Miss  Caterpillar,  without  finding  of  her.  Is  siie 
come  back,  nia'am  ?" 

'^Lor!  no,  indeed.  Wool.  Fm  very  anxious,  and  the 
major  is  taking  on  dreadful.  But  I  hope  she  is  snfe  in 
some  house.  But,  poor  Wool,  you  must  have  had  a  dread- 
ful time  out  all  niglit  in  the  storm,  looking  for  her.'' 

Awful,  Missus  Compliment,  ma'am,  awful  \"  said 
Wool. 

Indeed,  I  know  you  had,  my  poor  creature.  Come 
in  and  get  some  warm  breakfast/'  said  the  kind  old  lady. 

daren't.  Missus  Compliment.  Old  marse  forbid  me 
to  show  my  face  to  him  until  I  fetch  Miss  Caterpillar  home 
safe,"  said  Wool,  turning  his  horse's  head  as  if  to  go.  In 
doing  so,  lie  saw  Capitola  galloping  towards  the  house,  and 


cap's  retuen. 


with  an  exclamation  of  jo}^^  pointed  lier  out  to  the  old  lady, 
and  rodo  on  to  meet  her. 

Oil,  ^Jiss  Caterpillar,  Ise  so  glad  rVe  fonnd  yon.  Ise 
done  been  out  looking  for  yon  all  night  long  V  exclaimed 
"Wool,  as  he  met  her. 

Capitola  pnlled  np  her  horse,  and  surve^'ed  the  speaker 
with  a  comical  expression,  sa3nng  : 

"  ^Bcen  out  all  night  looking  for  me  !'  Well,  I  must 
say,  you  seem  in  a  fine  state  of  preservation  for  a  man  who 
has  been  exposed  to  the  storm  all  night.  Yon  have  not  a 
wet  thread  on  yon  V 

'^Lor,  Miss,  it  rained  till  one  o'clock,  and  then  the  wind 
riz  and  bio  wed  till  six,  and  blowed  me  dry  !"  said  Wool,  as 
he  sprang  off  his  horse,  and  helped  his  young  mistress  to 
alight. 

Then,  instead  of  taking  the  beasts  to  the  stable,  he  tied 
them  to  the  tree,  and  hurried  into  the  honse,  and  np  stairs- 
to  his  master's  room,  to  apprise  him  of  the  return  of  the 
lost  sheep,  Capitola. 

Old  Hurricane  was  lying  awake,  tossing,  groaning,  and 
grumbling  with  anxiety. 

'  On  seeing  Wool  enter,  he  deliberately  raised  up>  and 
seized  a  heavy  iron  candlestick,  and  held  it  ready  to  hurl  at 
the  head  of  that  worthy,  whom  he  thus  addressed  : 

Ah,  you  have  come,  you  atrocious  villain.  You  know 
the  conditions.  If  you  have  dared  to  show  your  face  with- 
out bringing  your  young  mistress  

"  Please,  marse,  I  vrur  out  looking  for  her  all  night  !" 

'•'Have  you  brought  her  V  thundered  Old  Hurricane, 
rising  up. 

Please,  marse,  yes  sir.  I  done  found  her  and  brought 
her  home  safe." 

Send  her  up  to  me,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  sinking  back 
with  a  sigh  of  infinite  relief. 
Wool  flew  to  do  his  bidding. 

In  five  minutes  Capitola  entered  her  uncIe^s  chamber. 


356  cap's  retukn. 

Now  Old  Hurricane  had.  spent  a  night  of  almost  intol- 
erable anxiety  upon  liis  favorite's  account,  bewailing  her 
danger  and  praying  for  her  safety  ;  but  no  sooner  did  be  see 
her  enter  his  chamber  safe  and  sound,  and  smiling,  than 
indignation  quite  mastered  him,  and  jumping  out  of  the  bed 
in  his  nightgown,  he  made  a  dash  straight  at  Capitola. 

"Now,  had  Capitola  run,  there  is  little  doubt  but  that,  in 
the  blindness  of  his  fury,  he  would  have  caught  and  beat 
her  then  and  there.  But  Cap  saw  him  coming,  drew  up 
her  tiny  form,  folded  her  arms,  and  looked  him  directly  in 
the  face. 

This  stopped  him,  but  like  a  mettlesome  old  horse 
suddenly  pulled  up  in  full  career,  he  stamped,  and  reared, 
and  plunged  with  fury,  and  foamed,  and  spluttered,  and 
stuttered  before  he  could  get  words  out. 

*'What  do  you  mean,  you  vixen,  by  standing  there  and 
popping  your  great  gray  eyes  out  at  me  ?  Are  you  going 
to  bite,  you  tigress  ?  What  do  you  mean  by  facing  me  at 
all  he  roared,  shaking  his  fist  within  an  inch  of  Capi- 
toWs  little  pug  nose. 

I  am  here  because  you  sent  for  me,  sir,^'  was  Oap^s  un- 
answerable rejoinder. 

^'^Here  because  T  sent  for  you!'  humph!  humph! 
humph  !  and  come  dancing  and  smiling  into  my  room  as  if 
you  had  not  kept  me  awake  all  the  live  long  night — yes  ! 
driven  me  within  one  inch  of  a  brain  fever  !  Not  that  I 
cared  for  you,  you  limb  of  Old  Nick  !  not  that  I  cared  for 
you,  except  to  wish  with  all  my  heart  and  soul  that  some- 
thing or  other  had  happened  to  you,  you  vagrant  !  Where 
did  you  spend  the  night,  you  lunatic 

At  the  Hidden  House,  where  I  went  to  make  a  call  on 
my  new  neighbor.  Miss  Day,  and  where  I  was  caught  in 
the  storm.'' 

"  1  wish  to  heaven  you  had  been  caught  in  a  man-trap 
and  had  all  your  limbs  broken,  you — you — you — Oh  !" 
ejaculated  Old  Hurricane,  turning  short  and  trotting  up 


cap's  eetuen. 


357 


and  down  the  room.    Presently  lie  stopped  before  Capi- 
tola,  and  rapping  liis  cane  down  upon  the  floor,  demanded  : 
Who  did  yon  see  at  that  accnrsed  place,  you — y:iT— 
you  infatuated  maniac  ?" 

Miss  Day,  Mr.  Le  Xoir,  Mrs.  Knight.  ancT  ^  r-ian-ser- 
vaut — name  unknown, coolly  replied  Car:. 

''And  the  head  demon,  where  was  he.'' 

"Uncle,  if  by  the  head  demon  you  m.wi  Cic.  ITick,  I 
think  it  quite  likely,  from  present  arcer-;^  r.:e'  tlui':  he 
passed  the  night  at  Hurricane  Hall.'"' 

''  I  mean — Colonel  Le  Xoir  I"  exclaiii:.ed  jIl  Z/r.rri:aze, 
as  if  the  name  choked  him. 

''  Oh  !  I  understand  that  he  had  that  da  "  leit  hczie/^ 

*'Umph  !  Oh  !  Ah  !  that  accounts  for  ic  .  :i} a'"  counts 
for  it/'  muttered  Old  Hurricane  to  himselt — the  seeing 
Capitola  was  wistfully  regarding  his  face,  and  atteii  iizs^"  to 
his  muttered  phrases,  he  broke  out  upon  her  with  ; 

Get  out  of  this — this — this  "  be  meant  to  say  get 

out  of  this  house, but  a  sure  instinct  warned  him  that  if 
he  should  speak  thus,  Capitola,  unlike  the  other  members 
of  his  household,  would  take  him  at  bis  v»'ord. 

'^Get  out  of  this  room,  you  yagaboncl  I^'-'  he  vociferated. 

And  Cap,  with  a  curtsey  and  a  kiss  of  her  hand,  danced 
away. 

Old  Hurricane  stamped  up  and  down  the  floor,  gesticu- 
lating like  a  demoniac,  and  vociferating  : 

''Sbe'll  get  herself  burked,  kidnapped,  murdered,  or 
what  not  !  I'm  sure  she  will !  I  know  it  I  I  feel  it  I  It's 
no  use  to  order  her  not  to  go ;  she  would  be  sure  to  dis- 
obey !  and  go  ten  times  as  often,  for  the  very  reason  that 
she  was  forbidden  I  What  the  demon  shall  I  do  ? — Wool  1 
Wool  !  Wool,  you  brimstone  villain,  come  here  V  he 
roared,  going  to  the  bell-rope  and  prilling  it  until  he  broke 
it  down. 

Wool  ran  in  with  his  hair  bristling,  his  teeth  chattering, 
and  his  eyes  starting. 


358 


cap's  ketukn. 


Come  here  to  me,  you  varlet !  Now  listen  :  You  are 
to  keep  a  sharp  look-out  after  your  young  mistress.  When- 
ever she  rides  abroad,  yoa  are  to  mount  a  horse  and  ride 
after  her,  and  keep  your  eyes  open,  for  if  you  only  once 
lose  sight  of  her,  yon  knave,  do  you  know  what  I  shall  do 
to  you,  eh 

N — n — no,  marse,"  stammered  Wool,  pale  with  appre- 
hension. 

^^I  should  cut  your  eyelids  off  to  improve  your  vision  ! 
Look  to  it,  sir,  for  I  shall  keep  my  word.  And  now  come 
and  help  me  to  dress, concluded  Old  Hurricane. 

Wool,  with  chattering  teeth,  shaking  knees,  and  tremb- 
ling fingers,  assisted  bis  master  in  his  morning  toilet,  med- 
itating the  while  whether  it  were  not  better  to  avoid 
impending  dangers  by  running  away. 

And,  in  fact,  between  his  master  and  his  mistress. 
Wool  had  a  hot  time  of  ir.  Tbe  weatber,  after  the  storm 
had  cleared  the  atmosphere,  was  delightful,  and  Ciip  rode 
out  that  very  day.  Poor  Wool  kept  his  eyeballs  metaphori- 
cally ^- skinned,"  for  fear  they  should  bo  treated  literally 
so — held  his  eyes  wide  open,  lest  Old  Hurricane  should  keep 
his  word,  and  make  it  impossible  for  him  ever  to  shut 
them. 

When  Cap  stole  out,  mounted  her  horse  and  rode  away, 
in  five  minutes  from  the  moment  of  starting  slie  heard  a 
horse's  hoofs  behind  her,  and  presently  saw  Wool  gallop  to 
her  side. 

At  first  Cap  bore  tbis  good-hum oredly  enough,  only 
saying  : 

Go  home,  Wool,  I  don't  want  you.  I  had  much 
rather  ride  alone.'' 

To  which  the  groom  replied  : 
It  is  ole  Marse's  orders.  Miss,  as  I  should  wait  on 

you." 

Capitola's  spirit  rebelled  against  this  ;  and  suddenly 
turning  upon  her  attendant,  she  indignantly  exclaimed  : 


cap's  return. 


359 


Wool,  I  don't  want  yon,  sir  !  I  insist  npon  being 
left  alone  !  and  I  order  yon  to  go  home,  sir  I" 

Upon  this  Wool  bnrst  into  tears  and  roared. 

Mncli  snrprised,  Capitola  inquired  of  him  what  the 
matter  was. 

For  some  time,  Wool  conld  only  reply  by  sobbing,  but 
when  he  was  able  to  articulate  he  blubbered  forth  : 

^^It's  nuf  to  make  anybody  go  put  his  head  underneaf 
of  a  meat- ax,  so  it  is 

"  What  is  the  matter,  Wool     again  inquired  Capitola. 
How'd  you  like  to  have  your  eyelids  cut  off  ?"  howled 
Wool,  indignantly. 

What  r  inquired  Capitola. 

^^Yes,  I  axes  how'd  you  like  to  have  your  eyelids  cut 
off  ? — Case  that's  what  ole  marse  t'reatens  to  do  long  o' 
me,  if  I  don't  follow  arter  you  and  keep  you  in  sight  ! — 
And  now  you  forbids  of  me  to  do  it,  and — and — I'll  go  and 
put  my  head  right  underneaf  of  a  meat-ax  !" 

Now  Capitola  was  really  kind-hearted,  and  well  know- 
ing the  desj^otic  temper  of  her  guardian,  she  pitied  AYool, 
and  after  a  little  hesitation,  she  said  : 

Wool,  so  your  old  master  says  if  you  don't  keep  your 
eyes  on  me,  he'll  cut  your  eyelids  off  ?" 

^'  Ye — ye — yes.  Miss,"  sobbed  Wool. 

''Did  he  say  if  you  don't  listen  to  me  he'd  cut  your  ears 
off  ?" 

N" — n — no.  Miss." 
"Did  he  swear  if  you  didn't  talk  to  me  .he'd  cut  yonr 
tongue  out  ?" 

''N— n— no,  Miss." 

''  Well,  now,  stop  howling,  and  listen  to  mc.  Since  at 
the  peril  of  your  eyelids  you  are  obliged  to  keep  me  in  sight, 
I  give  you  leave  to  ride  just  within  view  of  me ;  but  no 
nearer,  and  you  are  never  to  let  me  see  or  hear  you,  if  you 
can  help  it,  for  I  like  to  be  alone.-^^ 


360        ANOTHER  MYSTEEY  AT  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 

ril  do  anything  in  this  world  for  peace,  Miss  Cater- 
pillar," said  poor  Wool. 

And  upon  this  basis  the  affair  was  finally  settled.  And 
no  doubt  Capitola  owed  much  of  her  personal  safety  to  the 
fact  that  Wool  kept  his  eyes  open  ! 

While  these  scenes  were  going  on  at  Hurricane  Hall, 
momentous  events  were  taking  place  .elsewhere,  which  re- 
quire another  chapter  for  their  development. 


CHAPTER  XXXVni. 

ANOTHER  MYSTERY  AT  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 

"  Hark  I  what  a  shriek  was  that  of  fear  intense, 
Of  horror  and  amazement  ! 
What  fearful  struggle  to  the  door,  and  thence, 
With  mazy  doubles,  to  the  casement !" 

An  hour  after  the  departure  of  Capitola,  Colonel  Le 
Noir  returned  to  the  Hidden  House,  and  learned,  from  his 
man  David,  that  upon  the  preceding  evening  a  young  girl, 
of  whose  name  he  was  ignorant,  had  sought  shelter  from 
the  storm  and  passed  the  night  at  the  mansion. 

Now  Colonel  Le  Noir  was  extremely  jealous  of  receiv- 
ing strangers  under  his  roof — never  during  his  short  stay  at 
the  Hidden  House,  going  out  into  company,  lest  he  should 
be  oblicfed  in  return  to  entertain  visitors.  And  when  he 
learned  that  a  strange  girl  had  spent  the  night  beneath  his 
roof,  he  frowningly  directed  that  Dorcas  should  be  sent  to 
him. 

When  his  morose  manager  made  her  appearance,  he 
harshly  demanded  the  name  of  the  young  woman  she  had 
dared  to  receive  beneath  his  roof. 


ANOTHER  MYSTERY  AT  THE  HIDDEN  HOXTSE.  361 


Now,  whether  there  is  any  truth  in  the  theory  of  mag- 
netism or  not_,  it  is  certain  that  Dorcas  Knight,  stern, 
harsh,  resolute  woman  that  she  was  towards  all  others, 
became  as  submissive  as  a  child,  in  the  presence  of  Colonel 
Le  ISToir. 

At  his  command  she  gave  him  all  the  information  he 
required,  not  even  withholding  the  fact  of  Capitol a^s 
strange  story  of  having  seen  the  apparition  of  the  pale- 
faced  lady  in  her  chamber,  together  with  the  subsequent 
discovery  of  the  loss  of  her  ring. 

Colonel  Le  'Noiv  sternly  reprimanded  his  domestic  man- 
ager for  her  neglect  of  his  orders,  and  dismissed  her  from 
his  presence. 

The  remainder  of  the  day  was  passed  by  him  in  moody 
thought.  That  evening  he  summoned  his  son  to  a  private 
conference  in  the  parlor — an  event  that  happily  delivered 
poor  Clara  Day  from  their  presence  at  her  fireside. 

That  night  Clara,  dreading  lest  at  the  end  of  their  in- 
terview they  might  return  to  her  society,  retired  early  to 
her  chamber,  where  she  sat  reading  until  a  late  hour,  when 
she  went  to  bed  and  found  transient  forgetf ulness  of  trouble 
in  sleep. 

Siie  did  not  know  how  long  she  had  slej^t,  when  she 
was  suddenly  and  terribly  awakened  by  a  w^oman's  shriek 
sounding  from  the  room  immediately  overhead,  in  which, 
upon  the  night  previous,  Capitola  had  slept. 

Starting  up  in  bed,  Clara  listened. 

The  shriek  was  repeated — prolonged  and  piercing,  and 
w^as  accompanied  by  a  muffled  sound  of  struggling  that 
shook  the  ceiling  overhead. 

Instinctively  springing  from  her  bed,  Clara  threw  on 
her  dressing-gown  and  flew  to  the  door,  but  just  as  she 
turned  the  latch  to  open  it,  she  heard  a  bolt  slipped  on  the 
outside  and  found  herself  a  prisoner  in  her  own  chamber. 

Appalled,  she  stood  and  listened. 

Presently  there  came  a  sound  of  footsteps  on  the  stairs 


o02        ANOTHER  MYSTERY  AT  THE  HIDDEN  HOUSE. 

aiKl  a  heavy  muffled  noise  as  of  some  dead  weight  being 
dragged  down  the  staircase,  and  along  the  passage.  Then 
she  heard  the  hall  door  cautiously  opened  and  shut.  And 
finally  she  distinguished  the  sound  of  wheels  rolling  away 
from  the  house. 

Unable  longer  to  restrain  herself,  she  rapped  and  beat 
upon  her  own  door,  crying  aloud  for  deliverance. 

Presently  the  bolt  was  withdrawn,  the  door  jerked  open 
and  Dorcas  Knight,  with  a  face  of  horror,  stood  before 
her. 

What  is  the  matter  ?  Who  was  that  screaming  ?  In 
the  name  of  mercy  what  has  happened  cried  Clara, 
shrinking  in  abhorrence  from  the  ghastly  woman. 

Hush  !  it  is  nothing  !  there  were  two  tom-cats 
screaming  and  fighting  in  the  attic,  and  they  fought  all  the 
way  down  stairs,  rolling  over  and  over  each  other.  IVe 
just  turned  them  out,^"*  faltered  the  woman,  shivering  as 
with  an  ague  fit. 

What — what  was  that — that  went  away  iij  the  car- 
riage     asked  Clara,  shuddering. 

'^'The  Colonel,  gone  to  meet  the  early  stage  at  Tip  Top, 
to  take  him  to  Washington.  He  would  have  taken  leave 
of  you  last  night,  but  when  he  came  to  your  parlor  you  had 
left  \ir 

^^But — but — there  is  Hood  upon  your  hand,  Dorcas 
Knight  I"  cried  Clara,  shaking  with  horror. 

"  I — I  know — The  cats  scratched  me  as  I  put  them  out,^^ 
stammered  the  stern  woman,  trembling  almost  as  much  as 
Clara  herself. 

These  answers  failed  to  satisfy  the  young  girl,  who 
shrank  in  terror  and  loathing  from  that  woman's  presence, 
and  sought  the  privacy  of  her  own  chamber,  murmuring  : 

What  has  happened  ?  What  has  been  done,  oh, 
heaven  !  Oh,  heaven,  have  mercy  on  us !  some  dreadful 
deed  has  been  done  in  this  house,  to-night 

There  was  no  more  sleep  for  Clara.    She  heard  the 


ANOTHEE  MYSTERY  AT  THE  niDDEX  HOUSE.  363 


clock  strike  every  hour  from  one  to  six  in  the  mo]  ning, 
when  she  arose  and  dressed  herself  and  went  from  her 
room,  expecting  to  see  upon  the  floor  and  walls,  and  upon 
the  faces  of  the  household^  signs  of  some  dreadful  tragedy 
enacted  upon  the  previous  night. 

But  all  things  were  as  usual — the  same  dark,  gloomy 
and  neglected  magnificence  about  the  rooms  and  passages, 
the  same  reserved,  sullen  and  silent  aspect  about  the 
persons. 

Dorcas  Knight  presided  as  usual  at  the  head  of  the 
breakfast  table,  and  Craven  Le  Noir  at  the  foot.  Clara  sat 
in  her  accustomed  seat  at  the  side,  midway  between  them. 

Clara  shuddered  in  taking  her  cap  of  coffee  from  the 
hand  of  Dorcas,  and  declined  the  wing  of  fowl  that  Craven 
Le  Noir  would  have  put  upon  her  plate. 

Not  a  word  was  said  upon  the  subject  of  the  mystery  of 
the  preceding  night,  until  Craven  Le  Noir,  without  ventur- 
ing to  meet  the  eyes  of  the  young  girl,  said  : 
You  look  very  pale,  Clara  V 

Miss  Day  was  frightened  by  the  cati  last  night,*^  said 
Dorcas. 

Clara  answered  never  a  word.  The  ridiculous  story 
essayed  to  be  palmed  off  upon  her  credulity  in  explanation 
of  the  ni^ht  s  mj-ster}^,  had  not  gained  an  instant/'s  belief. 

She  knew  that  the  cry  that  had  startled  her  from  sleep, 
had  burst  in  strong  agony  from  human  lips. 

That  the  helj^less  weight  she  had  heard  dragged  down 
the  stairs  and  along  the  whole  lengtk  of  the  passage,  was 
some  dead  or  insensible  human  form  ! 

That  the  blood  she  had  seen  upon  the  hand  of  Dorcas 
Knight,  was — oh,  heaven,  her  mind  shrank  back  appalled 
with  horror,  at  the  thought  which  she  dared  not  entertain  I 
She  could  only  shudder,  pray  and  trust  in  God. 


364 


CAP  FREES  THE  OAPT 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 

"  Hold  daughter !  I  do  spy  a  kind  of  hope, 
Which  craveth  as  desperate  an  execution 
As  that  is  desperate,  which  we  would  prevent 
And  if  thou  darest,  Fll  give  the  remedy  ! 
Hold,  then  !  go  home,  be  merry,  give  consent 
To  marry  Paris  !    Wednesday  is  to-morrow  !" 

Shakespeare. 

As  THE  autumn  weather  was  now  very  pleasant,  Capitola 
continued  her  ridea-,  and  witliout  standing  upon  ceremony, 
repeated  her  visit  to  the  Hidden  House.  She  was  as  usual 
followed  by  Wool,  who  kept  at  a  respectful  distance,  and 
who  during  his  mistress's  visit  remained  outside  in  atten- 
dance upon  the  horses. 

Capitola  luckily  was  in  no  danger  of  encountering 
Colonel  Le  Noir,  who  since  the  night  of  the  mysterious 
tragedy  had  not  returned  home  ;  but  had  gone  to  and  set- 
tled in  his  winter  quarters  at  Washington  City. 

But  she  again  met  Craven  Le  l^oir,  who,  contrary  to  his 
usual  custom  of  accompanying  his  father  upon  his  annual 
migrations  to  tiie  metropolis,  had  upon  this  occasion 
remained  home  in  close  attendance  upon  his  cousin,  the 
wealthy  orphan. 

Capitola  found  Clara  the  same  sweet,  gentle  and  patient 
girl,  Y/ith  this  difference  only — that  her  youthful  brow  was 
now  overshadowed  by  a  heavy  trouble  which  could  not 
wholly  be  explained  by  her  state  of  orphanage,  or  her  sor- 
row for  the  dead — it  was  too  full  of  anxiety,  gloom  and 
terror  to  have  reference  to  the  past  alone. 

Capitola  saw  all  this,  and  trusting  in  her  own  powers, 


CAP  FKEES  THE  CAPnVE." 


would  have  souglit  tlie  confidence  of  the  poor  girl,  with 
the  view  of  soothing  her  sorrows  and  helping  her  out  of  her 
difficulties;  but  Miss  Day,  candid  upon  all  other  topics  was 
strangely  reserved  upon  this  subject,  and  Capitola,  with  all 
her  eccentricity,  was  too  delicate  to  seek  to  intrude  upon 
the  young  niourner^s  sanctuary  of  grief. 

But  a  crisis  was  fast  approaching  which  rendered  further 
concealment  difficult  and  dangerous,  and  which  threw  Clara 
for  protection  upon  the  courage,  presence  of  mind  and 
address  of  Capitola. 

Since  Clara  Day  had  parted  with  her  betrothed  and 
taken  up  her  residence  beneath  her  guardian's  roof,  she  had 
regularly  written  both  to  Traverse  at  St.  Louis,  and  to  his 
mother  at  Staunton.  But  she  had  received  no  reply  from 
either  mother  or  sou.  And  months  had  passed  filling  the 
the  mind  of  Clara  with  anxiety  upon  their  account. 

She  did  not  for  one  moment  doubt  tlmr  constancy  ; 
alas  !  it  required  but  little  perspicacity  on  her  paii;  to  per- 
ceive that  the  letters  on  either  side  must  have  been  inter- 
cepted by  the  Le  Noirs — father  and  son  ! 

Her  great  anxiety  was  lest  Mrs.  Rocke  and  Traverse, 
failing  to  hear  from  her,  should  imagine  that  she  had  forgot- 
ten them.  She  longed  to  assure  them  she  had  not !  But 
how  should  she  do  this  ? — It  was  perfectly  useless  to  write 
and  send  the  letter  to  the  post-office  by  any  servant  at  the 
Hidden  House^  for  such  a  letter  so  sent  would  be  sure  to 
find  its  way — not  into  the  mail  bags,  but — into  the  pocket 
of  Colonel  Le  Noir. 

Finally,  Clara  resolved  to  entrust  honest  Cap  with  so 
much  of  her  story  as  would  engage  her  interest  and  co- 
operation, and  then  confide  to  her  care  the  letter  to  be 
placed  in  the  post-office.  Clara  had  scarcely  come  to  this 
resolution  ere,  as  \yQ  said,  an  imminent  crisis  obliged  her  to 
seek  the  further  aid  of  Capitola. 

Craven  Le  Noir  had  never  abated  his  unacceptable  atten- 
tions to  the  orphan  heiress.    Day  by  day^  on  the  contrary. 


366 


CAP  FKEKc,^  THE  CAPTIVE, 


to  Olara  s  unspeakable  distress^  these  attonti(;n  -  grcv;  mcro 
pointed  and  alarming. 

At  first  she  iiad  received  them  coldly  and  repulsed  them 
gently ;  but  as  they  grew  more  ardent  and  devoted  she 
became  colder  and  more  reserved,  until  at  length  by  main- 
taining a  freezing  liauteur,  at  variance  with  her  usually 
sweet  temper,  she  sought  to  repel  the  declaiation  that  v/as 
ever  ready  to  fall  from  his  lips. 

But  notwithstanding  her  evident  abhorence  of  his  suif. 
Craven  Le  Noir  persisted  in  his  purpose. 

And  so,  one  morning,  he  entered  the  parlor  and  finding 
Clara  alone,  he  closed  the  door,  seated  himself  beside 
her,  took  her  hand  and  made  a  formal  declaration  of  love 
and  proposal  of  marriage,  urging  his  suit  with  all  the  elo- 
quence of  which  he  was  master. 

Now  Clara  Day,  a  Christian  maiden,  a  recently  bereaved 
orphan  and  an  affianced  bride,  had  too  profound  a  rcgai-d 
for  her  duties  towards  God,  her  ffither's  will,  and  lier  be- 
trothed husband^s  rights,  to  treat  this  attempted  invasion 
of  her  faith  in  any  other  than  the  most  deliberate,  serious 
and  dignified  manner. 

"'I  am  very  sorry,  Mr.  Le  Koir,  that  it  has  at  length 
come  to  this.  I  thought  I  had  conducted  myself  in  such  a 
manner  as  totally  to  discourage  any  such  purpose  as  this 
which  you  have  just  honored  me  by  disclosing.  Now, 
however,  that  tlie  subject  may  be  Fct  at  rest  forever,  I 
feel  bound  to  announce  to  you  that  my  hand  is  already 
plighted,'^  said  Clara,  gravely. 

But  my  fairest  and  dearest  love,  your  little  hand  can- 
not be  plighted  without  the  consent  of  your  guardian,  who 
would  never  countenance  the  imprudent  pretensions  vrliich 
I  understand  to  be  made  by  the  low  born  young  man  to 
whom,  I  presume,  you  allude.  That  engagement  wa;j  a  very 
foolish  affair,  my  dear  girl,  and  only  to  be  palliated  upon  the 
gi'ound  of  your  extreme  childishness  at  the  time  of  its  being 
You  ?i?.ust'  forget  the  whole  matter,  my  sweetest  love, 


CAP  FREES   THE  CAPTIVE, 


367 


and  prepare  yourself  to  listen  to  a  suit  iviOTl-  vrortliy  ^jf  your 
social  positiori,'"  said  Craven  Le  Xoir.  attempting  to  steal 
Ms  a  n  il  ar'jiind  lier  vaist. 

Clara  coldly  repelled  liim,  saying  : 

^'1  am  ai:  a  loss  to  tinderstand,  Mr.  Le  Xoir.  vrhat  aet  of 
levity  on  my  part  has  givi-n  yon  tlie  assurance  to  oiler  me 
this  affront  Y'' 

Do  yoit  call  it  an  affront,  fair  consin.  that  I  lay  my 
hand  and  hearty  and  forttme,  at  yotir  feet 

^'1  have  called  your  aet,  sir,  Ijy  its  gentlest  nan.e. 
Under  the  circumstances,  I  might  veil  have  calleil  :t  an 
outrage 

And  what  may  be  those  circumstanos  that  oo:.vrr:  an 
act  of — adoration — into  an  outrage,  my  sweet  c 

Sir,  you  know  them  well  !  I  have  no:  conceaied  from 
yourself  or  my  guardian  that  lam  the  afSancc  :1  'v/id :  ^ef 
Doctor  Eocke,  nor  that  our  troth  was  plighted  with  iitll 
consent  of  my  dear  fathee  "     '  '  Clara,  g-e 

'•Tut,  tut,  tut,  my   i.g  cotisi:.,    .      -  :e 

child^s  play — a  school  girl's  romantic  whim  ;  do  not  di'.:-am 
tliat  yottr  guardian  will  ever  permit  you  to  throw  yourself 
away  upon  that  low-bred  fellow  !" 

'Olr.  Le  Xoir,  if  you  permit  yotir.-eit  to  addrese  me 
in  this  manner,  I  shall  feel  compelled  to  retir      "      -  -  : 
rema"'n  here  to  have  my  honored  fathers  vdll    C  ^y. 
and  the  rights  of  my  betrothed,  insulted  in  my  person 
said  Clara,  rising  to  leave  the  room. 

'■^Xo — stay  I  forgive  me,  Clara  I  pardon  me,  gentlest 
girl,  if,  in  my  great  love  for  you.  I  grow  impatient  of  any 
other  claim  upon  your  heart,  especially  irem  -ete-hi  ;  "^.r.- 
wortky  quarter  !  Clara,  you  are  a  mere  child.  luii  l  i 
erous,  but  romantic  sentim.euty.  and  da::gernr.^  impitkes  I 
You  require  extra  vigilance  and  firm  exercise  "  ^  r'  y 
on  the  part  of  j'oiir  guardians  to  save  you  :^  le,  ; ,  .  in 
self-destruction  I  Audi  some  day^  sweet  girl,  you  will 
thank  us  for  preserving  you  from  the  horrors  of  such  a 


368 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


mesalliance/^  said  Craven  Le  Noir,  gently  detaining 
her. 

I  tell  you,  Mr.  Le  Noir,  that  your  manner  of  speak- 
ing of  my  betrothal  is  equally  insulting  to  myself,  Doctor 
Eocke,  and  my  dear  father,  who  never  would  have  plighted 
our  hands  had  he  considered  our  prospective  marriage  a 
mesalliance.-'' 

N"or  do  I  suppose  he  ever  did  plight  your  hands — 
wliile  in  his  right  senses  ?" 

Oh,  sir  !  this  has  been  discussed  before  !  I  beg  of  you 
to  let  the  subject  drop  forever,  remembering  that  I  hold 
myself  sacredly  betrothed  to  Traverse  Rocke,  and  ready — 
when,  at  my  legal  majority,  he  shall  claim  me— to  redeem 
my  plighted  faiti  by  becoming  his  wife.'' 

"Clara  !  this  is  madness!  it  must  not  be  endured,  nor 
shall  not !  I  have  hitherto  souglit  to  win  your  heart  by 
showing  you  the  great  extent  of  my  love  !  but  be  carefnl 
how  you  scorn  that  love,  or  continue  to  taunt  me  with  the 
mention  of  an  unworthy  rival  !  For  though  I  use  gentle 
means,  should  I  find  them  fail  of  their  purpose,  I  sliall 
know  how  to  avail  myself  of  harsher  ones." 

Clara  disdained  reply,  except  by  permitting  her  clear 
eye  to  pass  over  him  from  head  to  foot,  with  an  expression 
of  consuming  scorn  that  scathed  him  to  the  quick. 

"  I  tell  you  to  be  careful,  Clara  Day  !  I  come  to  you 
armed  with  the  authority  of  your  legal  guardian,  my 
father.  Colonel  Le  Noir,  who  will  forestall  your  foolish 
purpose  of  throwing  yourself  and  your  fortune  away  upon 
a  beggar,  even  though  to  do  so,  be  strain  his  authority  and 
coerce  you  into  taking  a  more  suitable  companion,"  said 
Craven  Le  Noir,  rising  impatiently,  and  pacing  the  floor. 
But  no  sooner  had  he  spoken  these  words  than  he  saw  how 
greatly  he  had  injured  his  cause,  and  repented  them. 
Going  to  Clara  and  intercepting  her  as  she  was  about  to 
leave  the  room,  he  gently  took  her  hand,  and  dropping  his 


GAP  FEEES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


369 


eyes  to  the  floor  with  a  look  of  humility  and  penitence,  he 
said : 

Clara,  my  sweet  cousin,  I  know  not  how  sufficiently  to 
express  my  sorrow  at  having  been  hurried  into  harshness 
towards  you  ; — towards  you  whom  I  love  more  than  my  own 
soul,  and  whom  it  is  the  fondest  wish  of  my  heart  to  call — 
wife  !  I  can  only  excuse  myself  for  this,  or  any  future 
extravagance  of  manner,  by  my  excessive  love  for  you  and 
the  jealousy  that  maddens  my  brain  at  the  bare  mention  of 
my  rival.  That  is  it,  sweet  girl  !  Can  you  forgive  one 
whom  love  and  jealousy  have  hurried  into  frenzy  V 

"  Mr.  Le  Noir,  the  Bible  enjoins  me  to  forgive  injuries. 
I  shall  endeavor,  when  I  can^  to  forgive  you  ;  though  for  the 
present,  my  heart  is  still  burning  under  the  sense  of  wrongs 
done  towards  myself  and  those  whom  I  love  and  esteem,  and 
the  only  way  in  which  you  can  make  me  forget  what  has  just 
passed,  will  be — 7iever  to  repeat  the  offence."  And  with  these 
words,  Clara  bent  her  head  and  passed  from  the  room. 

Could  she  have  seen  the  malignant  scowl  and  gesture 
with  which  Craven  Le  Noir  followed  her  departure,  she 
would  scarcely  have  trusted  his  expressions  of  penitence. 

Lifting  his  arm  above  his  head,  he  fiercely  shook  his  fist 
after  her,  and  exclaimed  : 

Gro  on,  insolent  girl,  and  imagine  that  you  have  hum- 
bled me  !  but  the  tune  shall  be  changed  by  this  day  month  ! 
for  before  that  time,  whatever  power  the  law  gives  the  hus- 
band over  his  wife  and  her  property,  shall  be  mine  over 
you  and  your  possessions  !  Then  we  shall  see  who  shall  be 
insolent  !  Then  we  shall  see  whose  proud  blue  eye  shall 
day  after  day  dare  to  look  up  and  rebuke  me  !  Oh  !  to  get 
you  into  my  power,  my  girl  !  not  that  I  love  you,  moon- 
faced creature  !  but  I  want  your  possessions  !  which  is 
quite  as  strong  an  incentive.''' 

Then  he  fell  into  thought.  He  had  an  ugly  way  of 
scowling  and  biting  his  nails  when  deeply  brooding  over 


370 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


any  subject,  and  now  he  walked  slowly  np  and  down  the 
floor  with  his  head  upon  his  breast,  his  brows  drawn  over 
his  nose,  and  his  four  fingers  between  his  teeth,  gnawing 
away  like  a  wild  beast,  while  he  muttered  : 

^'  She  is  not  like  the  other  one  !  she  has  more  sense 
and  strength  !  she  will  give  us  more  trouble.  AVe  must 
continue  to  try  fair  means  a  little  longer  !  It  will  be  diffi- 
cult, for  I  am  not  accustomed  to  control  my  passions  even 
for  a  purpose  !  Yet — penitence  and  love  are  the  only  cards 
to  be  played  to  this  insolent  girl  for  the  present.  After- 
ivards  !" 

Here  his  soliloquy  muttered  itself  into  silence,  his  head 
sunk  deeper  upon  his  breast,  his  brows  gathered  lower  over 
his  nose,  and  he  walked  and  gnawed  his  nails  like  a  hun- 
gry wolf. 

The  immediate  result  of  his  cogitation  was  tliat  he  went 
into  the  library  and  wrote  off  a  letter  to  his  father,  telling 
him  all  that  had  transpired  between  himself  and  Clara,  and 
asking  his  further  counsel. 

He  despatched  this  letter,  and  waited  an  answer. 

During  the  week  that  ensued  before  he  could  hope  to 
hear  from  Colonel  Le  Noir,  he  treated  Clara  with  marked 
deference  and  respect. 

/  And  Clara  on  her  part  did  not  tax  his  forebcarance  by 
appearing  in  his  presence  oftener  than  she  could  possibly 
avoid. 

At  the  end  of  the  week  the  expected  letter  came.  It  was 
short  and  to  the  purpose.    It  ran  thus  : 

Washington,  Dec.  14,  18—. 
My  Dear  Ckaven  : — You  are  losing  time.  Do  nor  hope 
to  win  the  girl  by  the  means  you  propose.  She  is  too  acute 
to  be  deceived  and  to  firm  to  be  persuaded.  We  must  not 
hesitate  to  use  the  only  possible  means  by  which  we  can 
coerce  her  into  compliance.    I  shall  follow  this  letter  by  the 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


371 


first  stage-coacli ;  and;,  before  the  beginning  of  the  next 
month,  Clara  Day  shall  be  your  wife. 

Your  affectionate  father, 
C.  Le  ISToiR,  Esq.,  Hidden  House.      Gabriel  Le  Noir. 

When  Craven  Le  IS'oir  read  this  letter,  his  thin  white 
face  and  deep- set  eyes  lighted  up  with  triumph.  Bat 
Craven  Le  Noir  huzzaed  before  he  was  out  of  the  woods. 
He  had  not  calculated  upon  Capitola. 

The  next  day  Colonel  Le  Noir  came  to  the  Hidden  House. 
He  arrived  late  in  the  afternoon. 

After  refreshing  himself  with  a  bath,  a  change  of  cloth- 
ing, and  a  light  luncheon,  he  went  to  the  library  where  he 
2^assed  the  remainder  of  the  evening  in  a  confidential  con- 
ference with  his  son.  Their  supper  was  ordered  to  be  served 
up  to  tliem  there.  And  for  that  one  evening  Clara  had  the 
comfort  of  taking  her  tea  alone. 

The  result  of  this  conference  was  that  the  next  morn- 
ing, after  breakfast,  Colonel  Le  Noir  sent  for  Miss  Day  to 
come  to  him  in  the  library. 

When  Clara,  nerving  her  gentle  heart  to  resist  a  sinful 
tyraimy,  entered  the  library,  Colonel  Le  Noir  arose  and 
courtponsly  handed  her  to  a  chair  ;  and  then,  seating  him- 
self beside  her,  said  : 

My  dear  Clara,  the  responsibilities  of  a  guardian  are 
always  very  onerous,  and  his  duties  7wt  always  very  agree- 
able, especially  when  his  ward  is  the  sole  heiress  of  a  large 
property  and  the  object  of  pursuit  by  fortune-hunters  and 
manoeuverers,  male  and  female.  When  such  is  the  case, 
the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  the  guardian  are  aug- 
mented a  hundred  fold.''' 

"  Sir,  this  cannot  be  so  in  mi/  case  ;  since  yon  are  per- 
fectly  aware  that  my   destiny  is — humanly  speaking — 
already  decided,''  replied  Clara,  with  gentle  firmness. 
As  7iow,  I  pr.:y  you^  my  fair  ward 

^^ygu  P^niiQt  possibly  be  at  a  loss  to  uuderRtand,  sir, 


372 


CAP  FEEES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


You  have  been  already  advised  that  I  am  betrothed  to  Dr. 
Eocke,  who  will  claim  me  as  his  v/ife  upon  the  day  that  I 
shall  complete  my  twenty-first  year/' 

"  Miss  Clara  Day,  uo  more  of  tbafc,  I  beseech  you.  It 
is  folly,  perversity,  frenzy  !  But,  thanks  to  the  wisdom  of 
legislators,  the  law  very  properly  invests  the  guardian  with 
great  latitude  of  discretionary  power  over  the  person  and 
property  of  his  ward — to  be  nsed,  of  course,  for  that  ward^s 
best  iiiterest.  And  thus,  my  dear  Clara,  it  is  my  duty, 
v/hile  holding  this  power  over  you,  to  exercise  it  for  pre- 
venting the  possibility  of  your  ever,  either  now  or  at  any 
future  time,  throwing  yourself  away  upon  a  mere  adventu- 
rer. To  do  this,  I  must  provide  you  with  a  suitable  hus- 
band. My  son,  Mr.  Craven  Le  Noir,  has  long  loved  and 
wooed  you.  He  is  a  young  man  of  good  reputation  and 
fair  prospects.  I  entirely  approve  his  suit ;  and  as  your 
guardian,  I  command  you  to  receive  him  for  your  destined 
husband/^ 

Colonel  Le  N'oir,  this  is  no  time  '  for  bated  breath 
and  whispered  humbleness.^  I  am  but  a  simple  girl  of 
seventeen,  but  I  understand  your  purpose  and  that  of  your 
son  just  as  well  as  though  I  were  an  old  man  of  the  world  ! 
You  are  the  fortune-hunters  and  manoeuverers  !  It  is  the 
fortune  of  the  wealthy  heiress  and  friendless  orphan  that 
you  are  in  pursuit  of  !  But  that  fortune,  like  my  hand 
and  heart,  is  already  promised  to  one  I  love ;  and  to  speak 
very  plainly  to  you,  I  would  die  ere  I  would  disappoint  him 
or  wed  your  son  !"  said  Clara,  with  invincible  firmness. 

Die,  girl? — there  are  worse  things  than  death  in  the 
world  V  said  Colonel  Le  Noir,  with  a  threatening  glare. 

^'  I  know  it  !  and  one  of  the  worst  things  in  the  world 
would  be  a  union  with  a  man  I  could  neither  esteem  nor 
even  endure  V  exclaimed  Clara. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  saw  that  there  was  no  use  in  further 
disguise.  Throwing  off,  then,  the  last  restraint  of  good 
breeding,  he  said  : 


CAP  FEEES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


373 


•'And  there  are  still  more  terrible  evils  for  a  woman 
than  to  be  the  wife  of  one  she  'can  neither  esteem  nor 
endure  V'^ 

Clara  shook  her  head  in  proud  scorn. 

"  There  are  evils_,  to  escape  which,  such  a  woman  would 
go  down  upon  her  bended  knees  to  be  made  the  wife  of 
such  a  man  \" 

Clara^s  gentle  eyes  flashed  with  indignation  ! 

''  Infamous  V'  she  cried.  You  slander  all  womanhood 
in  my  person  V 

''  The  evils  to  which  I  allude  are — comprised  in — a  life 
of  dishonor  I"  hissed  Le  'Noiv,  through  his  set  teeth. 

''  This  to  my  father^s  daughter  ?"  exclaimed  Clara, 
growing  white  as  death  at  the  insult. 

''Aye,  my  girl  !  it  is  time  we  understood  each  other  ! 
You  are  in  my  power,  and  /  intend  to  coerce  you,  to  my 
wilir 

Those  words,  accompanied  as  they  were  by  a  look  that 
left  no  doubt  upon  her  mind  that  he  would  carry  out  his 
purpose  to  any  extremity,  so  appalled  the  maiden's  soul  that 
she  stood  like  one  suddenly  struck  with  catalepsy. 

The  unscrupulous  wretch  then  ap]Droached  her  and  said  : 
"I  am  going  now  to  the  county  seat  to  take  out  a  mar- 
riage license  for  you  and  my  son.  I  shall  have  the  carriage 
at  the  door  by  six  o'clock  this  evening,  when  I  desire  that 
you  will  be  ready  to  accompany  us  to  church,  where  a  cleri- 
cal friend  will  be  in  attendance  to  perform  the  marriage 
ceremony  ! — Clara  Day,  if  you  would  save  your  honor,  look 
to  this 

All  this  time  Clara  had  neither  moved,  nor  spoken,  nor 
breathed.  She  had  stood  cold,  white  and  still,  as  if  turned 
to  stone. 

"Let  no  vain  hope  of  escape  delude  your  mind.  The 
doors  will  be  kept  locked  ;  the  servants  are  all  warned  not 
to  suffer  you  to  leave  the  house.  Look  to  it,  Clara,  for  the 
rising  of  another  sun  shall  see  my  purpose  accomplished  P 


374 


And  with  these  words  the  atrocious  wretch  left  the  room. 
His  departure  took  off  the  dreadful  spell  that  had  paralyzed 
Clara^s  life  ;  her  blood  began  to  circulate  again  ;  breath 
came  to  her  lungs  and  speech  to  her  lips. 

Oh,  Lord,"  she  cried  ;  Oli,  Lord,  who  delivered  the 
children  from  the  fiery  furnace,  deliver  thy  poor  handmaiden 
now  from  her  terrible  foes." 

While  thus  she  prayed,  she  saw  upon  the  writing  table 
before  her  a  small  penknife.  Her  cheeks  flushed  and  her 
eyes  brightened  as  she  seized  it : 

This  !  this!"  she  said,  *Hhis  small  instrument,  is 
sufficient  to  save  me  !  Should  the  worst  ensue — I  kuow 
where  to  find  the  carotid  artery,  and  even  such  a  slight 
puncture  as  my  timorous  hand  could  make  would  set  my 
spirit  free.  Oh,  my  father  !  oh,  my  father  !  you  little 
thought  when  you  taught  your  Clara  the  mysteries  of  anat- 
omy, to  what  fearful  use  she  would  put  your  lessons. — And 
would  it  be  right  ? — Oh,  would  it  be  right  ?  One  may 
desire  death;  but  can  anything  justify  suicide? — Oh, 
Father  in  Heaven,  guide  me  !  guide  me  !"  cried  Clara,  fall- 
ing uj)on  her  knees  and  sobbing  forth  this  prayer  of  agony  ! 

Soon  approaching  footsteps  drew  her  attention.  And 
she  had  only  time  to  rise  and  put  back  her  damp,  dishev- 
elled hair  from  her  tear-stained  face,  before  the  door  o|)ened 
and  Dorcas  Knight  appeared,  and  said  : 

Here  is  this  young  woman  come  again  !" 
And  rudely  ushering  in  Capitola,  she  closed  the  door 
and  retreated. 

I  declare.  Miss  Day,"  said  Cap,  laughing,  you  have 
the  most  accomplished,  polite  and  agreeable  servants  here 
that  ever  I  met  with  !  Think  wdth  what  a  courteous  wel- 
come this  woman  received  me — '  Here  you  are  again  !'  she 
said.  '  You'll  come  once  too  often  for  your  good,  and  that 
I  tell  you.'  I  answered  that  every  time  I  came  it  appeared 
to  be  once  too  often  for  her  liking.  She  rejoined — '  The 
Oo]ojiel  has  come  homOj  and  he  don^fc  lilse  company,  so  I 


CAP  FEEE5  THE  CAPTIVE. 


37c 


advise  jou  to  make  your  cull  a  sliort  one/  I  assured  her 
that  I  should  measure  the  length  of  my  visit  by  the  breadth 

of  my  will  But  good  angels^  Clara  I  what  is  the  matter  ? 

You  look  worse  than  death  V  exclaimed  Capitola^  noticing 
for  the  first  ^time  the  pale,  wild,  despairing  face  of  her 
companion. 

Clara  clasped  her  hands  as  if  in  prayer,  and  raised  her 
eyes  with  an  appealing  gaze  into  Capitola's  face. 

Tell  me,  dear  Clara,  what  is  the  matter  ?  how  can  I 
help  you  ?  what  shall  I  do  for  you  ?'''  said  our  heroine. 

Before  trusting  herself  to  reply,  Clara  gazed  wistfully 
into  Capitola^s  eyes,  as  though  she  would  liave  read  her 
soul. 

Cap  did  not  blench,  nor  for  an  instant  avert  her  own 
honest,  gray  orbs  ;  she  let  Clara  gaze  straight  down  through 
those  clear  windows  of  the  soul  into  the  very  soul  itself, 
where  she  found  ouly  truth,  honesty  and  courage. 

The  scrutiny  seemed  to  be  satisfactory,  for  Clara  soon 
took  the  hand  of  her  visitor,  and  said  : 

'■''Capitola,  I  will  tell  you.  It  is  a  horrid,  horrid  story, 
but  you  shall  know  all.    Come  with  me  to  my  chamber." 

Cap  pressed  the  hand  that  was  so  confidingly  placed  in 
hers,  and  accompanied  Clara  to  her  room,  where,  after  the 
latter  had  taken  the  precaution  to  lock  the  door,  the  two 
girls  sat  down  for  a  confidential  talk. 

Clara,  like  the  author  of  Eobin  Hood's  Barn,  began 
at  the  beginning"  of  her  story,  and  told  everything — her 
betrothal  to  Traverse  Rocke  ;  the  sudden  death  of  her 
father  ;  the  decision  of  the  Orphan^s  Court  ;  the  departure 
of  Traverse  for  the  far  West ;  her  arrival  at  the  Hidden 
House  ;  the  interruption  of  all  her  epistolary  correspon- 
dence Avith  her  betrothed  and  his  mother ;  the  awful  and 
mysterious  occurrence  of  that  dreadful  night  when  she 
suspected  some  heinous  crime  had  been  committed  ;  and 
finally  of  the  long,  unwelcome  suit  of  Craven  Le  Xoir,  and 
the  present  attempt  to  force  him  upon  her  as  a  husband. 


376 


CAP  FREIJS  THE  CAtTlVE. 


Cap  listened  very  calmly  to  this  story,  showing  very 
little  sympathy,  for  there  was  not  a  bit  of  sentimentality 
about  our  Cap. 

''And  now,"  whispered  Clara,  while  the  pallor  of  horror 
overspread  her  face,  ''by  threatening  me  with  a  fate  worse 
than  death,  they  would  drive  me  to  marry  Craven  Le  Noir  V 

"  Yes,  I  know  I  would,^^said  Cap,  as  if  speaking  to  her- 
self, but  by  her  tone  and  manner  clothing  these  simple 
words  in  the  very  keenest  sarcasm. 

"  What  would  you  do,  Capitola  asked  Clara,  raising 
her  tearful  eyes  to  the  last  speaker. 

"  Marry  Mr.  Craven  Le  Noir,  and  thank  him,  too  !" 
said  Cap.    Then  suddenly  changing  her  tone,  she  exclaimed: 

"I  wish — oh  !  7iow  I  wish  it  was  only  rde  in  your  place 
— that  it  was  only  me  they  were  trying  to  marry  against  my 
will  V 

"  What  would  you  do      asked  Clara,  earnestly. 

"  Wliat  loould  I  dof  Oh  !  wouldn't  I  make  them  know 
the  difference  between  their  Sovereign  Lady  and  Sam  the 
Lackey  ?  If  I  had  been  in  your  place,  and  the  dastard  Le 
Noir  had  said  to  me  what  he  said  to  you,  I  do  be  lieve  I  should 
have  stricken  him  dead  with  the  lightning  of  my  eyes  !  But 
what  shall  you  do,  my  poor  Clara  T' 

"Alas  !  alas  !  see  here  !  this  is  my  last  resort  \"  replied 
the  unhappy  girl,  showing  the  little  pen-knife. 

"  Put  it  away  from  you  !  put  it  away  from  yon  ex- 
claimed CajDitola,  earnestly  ;  "  suicide  is  never,  never,  never 
justifiable  !  God  is  the  lord  of  life  and  death  !  He  is  tlie 
only  judge  whether  a  mortal's  sorrows  are  to  be  relieved  by 
death,  and  wlion  he  does  not  himself  release  you,  he  means 
that  you  shall  live  and  endure.  That  proves  that  suicide  is 
never  right,  let  the  Roman  pagans  have  said  and  done  what 
they  joleased.  So  no  more  of  that.  There  are  enough  other 
ways  of  escape  for  you.'' 

"  Ah  !  what  are  they  ?  You  would  give  me  life  by 
teaching  me  how  to  escape  !"  said  Clara,  fervently. 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


"  The  first  and  most  obvious  means  that  suggests  itself 
to  my  mind,"  said  Cap,  ''is  to — run  away.-" 

Ah  !  that  is  impossible !  The  servants  are  warned  ; 
the  doors  are  all  locked  ;  I  am  watched  V 

"  Then  the  next  plan  is  equally  obvious  ;  consent  to  go 
with  them  to  the  church,  and  when  you  get  there,  denounce 
them,  and  claim  the  protection  of  the  clergyman  !" 

''Ah  !  dear  girl,  that  is  still  more  impracticable.  The 
ofiiciating  clergyman  is  their  friend  ;  and  even  if  I  could 
consent  to  act  a  deceitful  part,  and  should  go  to  church  as 
if  to  marry  Craven,  and  upon  getting  there,  denounce  him, 
instead  of  receiving  the  protection  of  the  clergyman,  I 
should  be  restored  to  the  hands  of  my  legal  guardian,  and 
be  brought  back  here  to  meet  a  fate  worse  than  death," 
said  Clara,  in  a  tone  of  despair. 

Capitola  did  not  at  once  reply,  but  fell  into  deep  thought, 
which  lasted  many  minutes.  Then,  speaking  more  gravely 
than  she  had  spoken  before,  she  said  : 

"  There  is  but  one  plan  of  escape  left  !  your  only  remain- 
ing chance,  and  that  full  of  danger." 

"  Oh  !  why  should  I  fear  danger  ?  What  evil  can  befall 
me  so  great  as  that  which  now  threatens  me  ?"  said  Clara. 

"  This  plan  requires  on  your  part  great  courage,  self- 
control  and  presence  of  mind." 

"  Teach  me,  teach  me,  dear  Capitola.  I  will  be  an  apt 
pupil !" 

"  I  have  thought  it  all  out,  and  will  tell  you  my  plan. 
It  is  now  eleven  o^clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  the  carriage  is 
to  come  for  you  at  six  this  evening,  I  believe  ?" 
Yes  !  yes  !" 

"Then  you  have  seven  hours  in  which  to  save  yourself. 
And  this  is  my  plan  :  First,  Clara,  you  must  change  clothes 
with  me,  giving  me  your  suit  of  mourning  and  putting  on 
my  riding  habit,  hat  and  veil.  Then  leaving  me  here  in 
your  place,  you  are  to  pull  the  veil  down  closely  over  your 
f^e  and  walk  right  out  of  the  house.    No  one  will  speak  to 


378 


CAP  FEEES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


you,  for  they  never  do  to  me.  When  you  have  reached  the 
yard,  spring  upon  my  horse  and  put  whip  to  him  for  the 
village  of  Tip  Top.  My  servant,  Wool,  will  ride  after  you, 
but  not  speak  to  you  or  approach  near  enough  to  discover 
your  identity — for  he  has  been  ordered  by  his  master  to  keep 
me  in  sight,  and  he  has  been  forbidden  by  his  mistress  to 
intrude  upon  her  privacy.  You  w  ill  reach  Tip  Top  by  three 
o^clock,  when  the  Staunton  stage  passes  through.  You  may 
then  reveal  yourself  to  Wool,  give  my  horse  into  his  charge, 
get  into  the  coach  and  start  for  Staunton.  Upon  reaching 
that  place,  put  yourself  under  the  protection  of  your  friends, 
the  two  old  physicians,  and  get  them  to  prosecute  your 
guardian  for  cruelty  and  flagrant  abuse  of  authority.  Be 
cool,  firm  and  alert,  and  all  will  be  wellP^ 

Clara,  who  had  listened  to  this  little  Napoleon  in  petti- 
coats with  breathless  interest,  now  clasped  her  hands  in  a 
wild  ecstasy  of  joy,  and  exclaimed  : 

I  will  try  it !  Oh,  Capitola,  I  will  try  it !  Heaven 
bless  you  for  the  counsel  \" 

Be  quick,  then,  change  your  dress,  provide  yourself 
with  a  purse  of  money,  and  I  will  give  you  particular  direc- 
tions how  to  make  a  short  cut  for  Tip  Top  !  Ha,  ha,  ha  ! 
when  they  come  for  the  bride  she  will  be  already  rolling  on 
the  turnpike  between  Tip  Top  and  Staunton. 

But  you  !    Oh,  you,  my  generous  deliverer  T' 

^'1  shall  dress  myself  in  your  clothes  and  stay  here  in 
your  place  to  keep  you  from  being  missed,  so  as  to  give  you 
full  time  to  make  your  escape.'^ 

^'But,  you  will  place  yourself  in  the  enraged  lion's 
jaws.  You  will  remain  in  the  power  of  two  men  who 
know  neither  justice  nor  mercy,  who  in  their  love  or  their 
hate  fear  neither  God  nor  man.  Oh,  Capitola,  how  can  I 
take  an  advantage  of  your  generosity,  and  leave  you  here 
in  such  extreme  peril  ?    Capitola,  I  cannot  do  iiJ' 

Well,  then,  1  believe  you  must  be  anxious  to  marry 
CraTen  Le  Noir/' 


CAP  TEEES  THE  CAPTIVB. 


379 


'^Oh,  Capitola/' 

Well,  if  you  are  not,  hurry  and  get  ready ;  there  is  no 
time  to  be  lost." 

But  you  !  but  you,  my  generous  friend 

Never  mind  me.  /shall  be  safe  enough.  /  am  not 
afraid  of  the  Le  !N"oirs.  Bless  their  wigs,  I  should  lil^e  to 
see  them  make  me  blench.  On  the  contrary,  I  desire  aboye 
all  things  to  be  pitted  against  those  two.  How^  I  shall 
enjoy  their  disappointment  and  rage.  Oh,  it  Avill  be  a  rare 
frolic." 

While  Capitola  was  speaking  she  was  also  busily  engaged 
doing.  She  went  softly  to  the  door  and  turned  the  key  in 
the  lock,  to  prevent  any  one  from  looking  through  the  key- 
hole, murmuring  as  she  did  it  : 

I  wasn't  brought  up  among  the  detective  policemen 
for  nothing.-'' 

Then  she  began  to  take  off  her  riding-habit.  Quickly 
she  dressed  Clara,  superintending  all  the  details  of  her  dis- 
guise as  carefully  as  though  she  were  the  costumer  of  a  new 
debutante.  When  Clara  was  dressed,  she  was  so  nearly  of 
the  same  size  and  shape  of  Capitola,  that  from  behind  no 
one  would  have  suspected  her  identity. 

There,  Clara,  tuck  your  light  hair  otit  of  the  way  ; 
pull  your  cap  over  your  eyes  ;  gather  your  veil  down  close  ; 
draw  up  your  figure  ;  throw  back  your  head  ;  walk  with  a 
little  springy  sway  and  swaggei",  as  if  you  didn't  care  a 
damson  for  anybody,  and — there  I  I  declare,  nobody  could 
tell  you  from  me,"  exclaimed  Capitola,  in  delight,  as  she 
completed  the  disguise  and  the  instructions  of  Clara. 

Then  Capitola  dressed  herself  in  Clara's  deep  mourning 
robes.  And  then  the  two  girls  sat  down  to  compose  them- 
selves for  a  few  minutes,  while  Capitola  gave  new  and  par- 
ticular directions  for  Clara's  course  and  conduct,  so  as  to 
ensure,  as  far  as  human  foresight  could  do  it,  the  safe  ter- 
mination of  her  perilous  adventure.  By  the  time  they  had 
ended  their  talk  the  hall  clock  struck  twelve. 


380 


CAP  FEEES  THE  CAPTIVE). 


"  There,  it  is  full  time  you  should  be  off.  Be  calm,  be 
cool^  be  firm,  and  God  bless  you,  Clara.  Dear  girl,  if  I 
were  only  a  young  man,  I  would  deliver  you  by  the  strength 
of  my  own  arm,  without  subjecting  you  to  inconvenience 
or  danger,"  said  Cap,  gallantly,  as  she  led  Clara  to  the 
chamber  door,  and  carefully  gathered  her  thick  veil  in  close 
folds  over  her  face,  so  as  entirely  to  conceal  it. 

'^Oh,  may  the  Lord  in  Heaven  bless  and  preserve  and 
reward  you,  my  brave,  my  noble,  my  heroic  Capitola  V 
said  Clara,  fervently,  with  the  tears  rushing  to  her  eyes. 

"  Bosh,"  said  Cap.  "  If  you  go  doing  the  sentimental 
you  won't  look  like  me  a  bit,  and  that  will  spoil  all. 
There,  keep  your  veil  close,  for  it^s  windy  you  know  ; 
throw  back  your  head,  and  swing  yourself  along  with  a 
swagger,  as  if  you  didn't  care  a — hem  !  for  anybody,  and — 
there  you  are,"  said  Cap,  pushing  Clara  out  and  shutting 
the  door  behind  her. 

Clara  paused  an  instant  to  offer  up  one  short  fervent 
prayer  for  her  success  and  Capitola's  safety,  and  then  fol- 
lowing her  instructions,  went  on. 

Nearly  all  girls  are  clever  imitators,  and  Clara  readily 
adopted  Capitola's  light,  springy,  swaying  walk,  and  met  old 
Dorcas  Knight  in  the  hall,  without  exciting  the  slightest 
suspicion  of  her  identity. 

Humph,"  said  the  woman ;  so  you  are  going.  I 
advise  you  not  to  come  back  again." 

Clara  threw  up  her  head  with  a  swagger,  and  went  on. 
Very  well,  you  may  scorn  my  words,  but  if  you  know 
your  own  good,  you'll  follow  my  advice,"  said  Dorcas 
Knight,  harshly. 

Clara  threw  up  her  head  and  passed  out. 

Before  the  door  Wool  was  waiting  with  the  horses. 
Keeping  her  face  closely  muffled,  Clara  went  to  Capitola's 
pony.    Wool  came  and  helped  her  into  the  saddle  saying  : 

*^  Yer  does  right,  Miss  Cap,  to  keep  your  face  kivcred  ; 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


mi 


it's  awful  windy,  aint  ifc  tliougli  ?  I  kin  scarcely  keep  the 
hat  from  blowing  off  en  my  head/' 

With  an  impatient  jerk  after  the  manner  of  Capitola, 
Clara  signified  that  she  did  not  wish  to  converse.  Wool 
dropped  obediently  behind,  mounted  his  horse,  and  followed 
at  a  respectful  distance,  until  Clara  turned  her  horse's  head 
and  took  the  bridle-path  towards  Tip  Top.  This  move 
filled  poor  Wool  with  dismay.  Hiding  towards  her,  he 
exclaimed : 

Deed,  Miss  Cap,  yer  mus'  sense  me  for  speakin'  now. 
Whar  de  mischief  is  yer  a'goin'  to 

For  all  answer  Clara,  feigning  temper  of  Capitola,  sud- 
denly wheeled  her  horse,  elevated  her  riding  whip,  and 
galloped  upon  Wool  in  a  threatening  manner. 

Wool  dodged  and  backed  his  horse  with  all  possible 
expedition— exclaiming  in  consternation  : 

Dar  !  Dar,  Miss  Cap,  I  won't  go  for  to  ax  you  any 
more  questions — no — not  if  yer  rides  straight  to  Old  Nick 
or  Black  Donald  V 

Whereupon  receiving  this  apology  in  good  part,  Clara 
again  turned  her  horse's  head  and  rode  on  her  way. 

Wool  followed,  bemoaning  the  destiny  that  kept  him 
between  the  two  fierce  fires  of  his  old  master's  despotism 
and  his  young  mistress's  caprice,  and  muttering  : 

^^I  know  old  marse  and  dis  young  gal  am  going  to  be 
the  death  of  me.  I  knows  it  jes'  as  well  as  nuffin  at  all. 
I  'clare  to  man,  if  it  ain't  nuff  to  make  anybody  go  heave 
themselves  right  into  a  grist  mill  and  be  ground  up  at 
once." 

Wool  spoke  no  more  until  they  got  to  Tip  Top,  when 
Clara,  still  closely  veiled,  rode  up  to  the  stage  office  just  as 
the  coach,  half  filled  with  pass&ngers,  was  about  to  start. 
Springing  from  her  horse,  she  went  up  to  Wool,  and  said  : 

'''Here,  man,  take  this  horse  back  to  Hurricane  Hall. 
Tell  Major  Warfield  that  Miss  Black  remains  at  the  Hidden 
House  in  imminent  danger.    Ask  him  to  ride  there  and 


382 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


bring  her  home.  Tell  Miss  Black,,  when  you  see  her,  that 
I  reached  Tip  Top  safe  and  in  time  to  take  the  coach. 
Tell  her  I  will  never  cease  to  be  grateful.  And  now,  here 
is  a  half  eagle  for  your  trouble.  Good-bye,  and  God  bless 
you.^^  And  she  put  the  piece  in  his  hand  and  took  her  place 
in  the  coach,  whicli  immediately  started. 

As  for  Wool ! !  ! — From  the  time  that  Clara  had  thrown 
aside  her  veil  and  began  to  speak  to  him,  he  had  stood 
staring  and  staring — his  consternation  growing  and  grow- 
ing— until  it  had  seemed  to  have  turned  him  into  stone — 
from  which  state  of  petrifaction  he  did  not  recover  until 
he  saw  the  stage  coach  roll  rapidly  away,  carrying  off — 
whom  ?  Capitola,  Clara,  or  the  Evil  one  ? — Wool  could 
not  have  told  which  !  He  presently  astounded  the  people- 
about  the  stage  office  by  leaving  his  horse  and  taking  to 
his  heels  after  the  stage  coach,  vociferating  : 

Murder  !  murder  !  help  !  help  !  stop  thief  !  stop  thief  ! 
stop  the  coach  !  stojD  the  coach  P 

^'  What  is  the  matter,  man  said  a  constable,  trying  to 
head  him. 

But  Wool  incontinently  ran  over  the  officer,  throwing 
him  down  and  keeping  on  his  headlong  course,  hat  off,  coat- 
tail  streaming,  and  legs  and  arms  flying  like  the  sails  of  a 
windmill,  as  he  tried  to  overtake  the  coach,  crying  : 

"  Help  !  Murder  !  Head  the  horses  !  Stop  the  coach  ! 
Ole  Marse  told  me  not  to  lose  sight  of  her  !  Oh,  for  hol)- 
ben's  sake,  good  people,  stop  the  coach  V 

When  he  got  to  a  gate,  instead  of  taking  time  to  open 
it,  he  rolled  himself  summerset-like  right  over  it.  When 
he  met  man  or  woman,  instead  of  turning  from  his  straight 
course,  he  knocked  them  over  and  passed  on,  garments  fly- 
ing, and  legs  and  arms  circulating  with  the  velocity  of  a 
wheel. 

The  people  whom  he  successively  met  and  overthrew  in 
his  course^  picking  themselves  up,  and  getting  intj  the 


CAP  FREES  THE  CAPTIVE. 


383 


village,  reported  that  tliere  was  a  furious  madman  broke 
loose,  who  attacked  every  one  lie  met. 

And  soon  every  man  and  boy  in  the  village  who  could 
mount  a  horse  started  in  hot  j^ursuit.  Oiily  race  horses 
would  have  beaten  the  speed  with  which  Wool  ran,  urged 
on  by  fear.  It  was  nine  miles  on  the  tarnpike  road  from 
Tip  Top  that  the  horsemen  overtook  and  snrrounded  AYool, 
who  seeing  himself  hopelessly  environed  fell  down  upon  the 
ground  and  kicked,  swearing  that  he  would  not  be  taken 
alive  to  have  his  eyelids  cut  off  ! 

It  was  not  until  after  a  desperate  resistance  that  he  was 
finally  taken,  bound,  put  in  a  wagon  and  carried  back  to  the 
village,  where  he  was  recognized  as  Major  Warfield^s  man, 
and  a  messenger  was  dispatched  for  his  master. 

And  not  until  he  had  been  repeatedly  assured  that  no 
harm  should  befall  him,  did  Wool  gain  composure  enough 
to  say,  amid  tears  of  cruel  grief  and  fear  : 

^'  Oh,  marsers,  my  young  missuss.  Miss  Black,  done  been 
conjured  and  bewitched  and  turned  into  somebody  ,  else, 
right  afore  my  own  two  looking  eyes,  and  gone  off  in  dat 
coach  !  'deed  she  is,  and  ole  marse  kill  me  !  'deed  he  will, 
gemmcn.  He  vv^ent  and  ordered  mo  not  to  take  my  eyes 
off  en  her,  and  no  more  I  didn't.  But  what  good  that  do, 
when  she  turned  to  somebody  else,  and  Went  off  right  afore 
my  two  looking  eyes  I  But  ole  marse  won't  listen  to  reason  ! 
He'll  kill  me,  I  know  he  will  P  whimpered  Wool,  refusing 
to  be  comforted. 


384 


CAP  IN  CAPTIVITY. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

I 

j  CAP  IN  CAPTIVITY. 

5  "  I  lingered  here  and  rescue  planned 

For  Clara  and  for  me."  — Scott. 

Meanwhile  how  fared  it  with  Oapitola  in  the  Hidden 
House  ? 

''I  am  in  for  it  now  V  said  Cap,  as  she  closed  the  door 
behind  Clara  ;  I  am  in  for  it  now  !  This  is  a  jolly 
imprudent  adventure  !  What  will  Wool  do  when  he  dis- 
covers that  he  lias  Host  sight ^  of  me?  What  will  uncle 
say  when  he  finds  out  what  I\e  done  ?  Whe — ew !  Uncle 
will  explode  !  I  wonder  if  the  walls  at  Hurricane  Hnll 
will  be  strong  enough  to  stand  it  ?  Wool  will  go  mad  !  I 
doubt  if  he  will  ever  do  a  bit  more  good  in  this  world  ! 

But  above  all,  I  wonder  what  the  Le  Noirs,  father 
and  son,  will  say  when  they  find  that  the  heiress  has 
flown,  and  a  '  beggar,^  as  uncle  flatters  me  by  calling  me, 
will  be  here  in  her  place  !  Whe — ew — ew — ew  !  There 
will  be  a  tornado  !  Cap,  child,  they'll  murder  you  !  thafc't; 
just  what  they'll  do  !  They'll  kill  and  eat  you.  Cap,  with- 
out any  salt  !  or  they  may  lock  you  up  in  the  haunted 
room  to  live  with  the  ghost.  Cap,  and  that  would  bo 
worse  ! 

Hush  !  here  comes  Dorcas  Knight  !    Now  I  must 
make  believe  I'm  Clara,  and  do   the   sentimental  up 
brown  !"  concluded  Capitola,  as  she  seated  herself  near  the 
door  where  she  could  be  heard,  and  began  to  sob  softly. 
Dorcas  rapped. 
Cap  sobbed  in  response. 
Are  you  coming  to  luncheon.  Miss  Day  inquired 
the  woman. 


CAP  IN  CAPTIVITY. 


385 


'^Ee — liee!  Ee — hee!  Ee — hee  !  I  do  not  want  to 
eat/^  sobbed  Cap^  in  a  low  and  smothered  voice.  Any  one 
would  have  thought  she  was  drowned  in  tears. 

Very  well — just  as  you  like/^   said   the  woman, 
harshly,  as  she  went  away. 

'^Well,  I  declare/Maughed  Cap,  '^I  did  that  quite  as 
well  as  an  actress  could  !  But  now  what  am  I  to  do  ? 
How  long  can  I  keep  this  up  ?  Heigh-ho  !  '  let  the  world 
slide  !"  ril  not  reveal  myself  until  I^'m  driven  to  it,  for 
when  I  do —  !  Cap,  child,  you^ll  get  chawed  right  up  V 

A  little  later  in  the  day  Dorcas  Knight  came  again,  and 
rapped  at  the  door. 

'''m—liee  !   Ee—7iee  !    ^e—hee  r  sobbed  Cap. 

''Miss  Day,  your  cousin,  Craven  Le  Noir,  wishes  to 
speak  with  you  alone.'' 

"  Ee — 7iee  !  Ee — hee  !  Ee — hee  !  1  cannot  see  him,'* 
sobbed  Cap,  in  a  low  and  suffocating  voice. 

The  woman  went  away,  and  Cap  suffered  no  other 
interruption  until  six  o'clock,  when  Dorcas  Knight  once 
more  rapped,  saying : 

''  Miss  Day,  your  uncle  is  at  the  front  door  with  the 
carriage,  and  he  wishes  to  know  if  you  are  ready  to  obey 
him." 

''Ee— te/  'EiQ—hee!  'Ee—heef — te— te— tell  him 
yes     sobbed  Cap,  as  if  her  heart  would  break. 

The  woman  went  off  with  this  answer,  and  Capitola 
hastily  enveloped  her  form  in  Clara's  large  black  shawl, 
put  on  Clara's  black  bonnet,  and  tied  her  thick  mourning 
veil  closely  over  her  face. 

"  A  pretty  bridal  dress  this  !  but,  however,  I  suppose 
these  men  are  no  more  particular  about  my  costume  than 
they  are  about  their  own  conduct,"  said  Cap. 

She  had  just  drawn  on  her  gloves  when  she  heard  the 
footsteps  of  two  men  approaching.  They  rapped  at  the 
door. 

"  Come  in,"  she  sobbed,  in  a  low,  broken  voice,  that 


586 


CAP  IN  CAPTIVITY. 


might  have  belonged  to  any  girl  in  deep  distress,  and  she 
put  a  white  cambric  handkerchief  up  to  her  eyes  and  drew 
her  thick  veil  closely  over  her  face. 

The  two  Le  Noirs  immediately  entered  the  room.  Cra- 
ven approached  her,  and  whispered,  softly  : 

You  will  forgive  me  this,  my  share  in  these  proceed- 
ings after  awhile,  sweet  Clara.  The  Sabine  women  did  not 
love  the  Roman  youths  the  less  that  they  were  forcibly 
made  wives  by  them.^' 

^^Ee — liee  !  Ee — hee!  Ee — h&e  sobbed  Cap,  entirely 
concealing  her  face  in  her  white  cambric  handkerchief 
under  her  impenetrable  vail. 

Come,  come  !  we  lose  time/'  said  the  elder  Le  Noir. 
^^Draw  her  arm  within  yours,  Craven,  and  lead  her  out."' 

The  young  man  did  as  he  was  directed,  and  led  Cap 
from  the  room.  It  was  now  quite  dark — the  long  dreary 
passage  was  only  dimly  lighted  by  a  hanging  lamp,  so  that 
with  the  care  she  took  there  was  scarcely  a  possibility  of 
Capitola's  being  discovered.  They  went  on,  Craven  Le 
Noir  whispering  hypocritical  apologies,  and  Cap  replying 
only  by  sobs. 

When  they  reached  the  outer  door,  they  found  a  close 
carriage  drawn  up  before  the  house. 

To  this  Craven  Le  Noir  led  Capitola,  placed  her  within 
and  took  the  seat  by  her  side.  Colonel  Le  Noir  placed 
himself  on  the  front  seat  opposite  them,  and  the  carriage 
was  driven  rapidly  off. 

An  hours  ride  brought  the  party  to  an  obscure  church 
in  the  depths  of  the  forest,  which  Capitola  recognized  by 
the  cross  on  its  top,  to  be  a  Roman  Catholic  Chapel. 

Here  the  carriage  drew  up  and  the  two  Le  Noirs  got 
out  and  assisted  Capitola  to  alight. 

They  then  led  her  into  the  church,  which  was  dimly 
illumined  by  a  pair  of  wax  candles  burning  before  the 
altar.    A  priest  in  his  sacerdotal  robes  was  in  attendance. 


CAP  IN"  CAPnYITT. 


3S7 


A  few  country  people  were  scattered  thinly  about  among 
the  pews^  at  their  private  deyotions. 

G-uarded  by  Craven  Le  Xoir  on  the  right,  and  Colonel 
Le  Xoir  on  the  left,  Capitola  was  marched  up  the  aisle  and 
placed  before  the  altar. 

Colonel  Le  Xoir  then  went  and  spoke  apart  to  the  offi- 
ciating priest,  saying,  in  a  tone  of  dissatisfaction  : 

I  told  you,  sir,  that  as  our  bride  was  an  orphan, 
recently  bereaved,  and  still  in  deep  mourning,  we  wished 
the  marriage  ceremony  to  be  strictly  private,  and  you  gave 
me  to  understand,  sir,  that  at  this  hour,  the  chapel  was 
most  likely  to  be  vacant.  Y&t  here  I  find  half  a  score  of 
people.    How  is  this  ?*' 

Sir,'^  replied  the  priest,  '^it  is  true,  that  at  this  hour 
of  the  evening,  the  chapel  is  most  likely  to  be  vacant,  but 
it  is  not  therefore  certain  to  be  so,  nor  did  I  promise  as 
much.  Our  chapel  is,  as  you  know,  open  at  all  hours  of 
the  day  and  night,  that  all  who  please  may  come  and  pray. 
These  people  that  you  see  are  hard-working  f;irm  laborers, 
'vlio  have  no  time  to  come  in  the  day,  and  who  are  now 
here  to  oSer  up  their  evening  prayers  and,  also,  some  of 
tliem  to  examine  their  consciences  preparatory  to  confcs- 
ivm.  They  can  certainly  be  no  interruption  to  the  cere- 
mony." 

'''Egad,  I  don't  know  that,"  muttered  Colonel  Le  Xoir 
between  his  teeth. 

As  for  Cap  the  sight  of  other  persons  present  in  the 
chapel  filled  her  heart  with  joy  and  exultation,  inasmuch 
as  it  ensured  her  final  safety.  And  so  she  just  abandoned 
herself  to  the  spirit  of  frolic  that  possessed  her.  and  antici- 
pated with  the  keenest  relish  the  denouement  of  her  strange 
adventure. 

'^"Well,  wkat  are  we  waiting  for?  Proceed,  sir,  pro- 
ceed,"^ said  Colonel  Le  Xoir,  as  he  took  Cap  by  the 
shoulders  and  placed  her  on  the  left  side  of  his  son,  while 
he  himself  stood  behind  ready  to  '  give  the  bride  away/ 


"B88 


CAP  IN  CAPTIVITY. 


The  cea'emony  immediately  commenced. 

The  prologue  beginnings — Dearly  Beloyed,  we  are 
gathered  together  here/'  etc.^,  etc.,  etc.,  was  read. 

The  solemn  exhortation  to  the  contracting  parties  com- 
mencing— I  require  and  charge  ye  both,  as  sI.g  shall 
answer  in  the  dreadful  day  of  judgment  when  the  secrets  of 
all  hearts  shall  be  disclosed^  that  if  either  of  you  know  any 
just  cause  or  impediment  why  ye  may  not  be  lawfully  be 
joined  together, etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  followed. 

Capitola  listened  to  all  this  with  the  deepest  attention, 
saying  to  herself — Well,  I  declare,  this  getting  married  is 
really  awfully  interesting.  If  it  were  not  for  Herbert  G-rey- 
son,  Fd  just  let  it  go  right  straight  on  to  the  end,  and  see 
what  would  happen  next.'' 

While  Cap  was  making  these  mental  comments  the  priest 
was  asking  the  bridegroom  : 

Wilt  thou  have  this  woman  to  be  thy  wedded  wife," 
etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  ^^so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live  ?" 

To  which  Craven  Le  ISToir,  in  a  sonorous  voice  responded  : 
I  will." 

"  Indeed  you  will  ?  We'll  see  that  presently,"  said  Cap, 
to  herself. 

The  priest  then  turning  towards  the  bride,  inquired  : 

''Wilt  thou  have  this  man  to  be  thy  wedded  husband," 
etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  "so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live  ?" 

To  which  the  bride,  throwing  aside  her  veil,  answered 
firmly  :  * 

"  No  !  not  if  he  were  the  last  man  and  I  the  last  woman 
on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  the  human  race  were  about 
to  become  extinct,  and  the  angel  Gabriel  came  down  from 
above  to  ask  it  of  me  as  a  personal  favor." 

The  effect  of  this  outburst,  this  revelation,  this  explosion, 
may  be  imagined  but  can  never  be  adequately  described. 

The  priest  dropped  his  book,  and  stood  with  lifted  hands 
and  open  mouth  and  staring  eyes  as  though  he  had  raised  a 
ghost  I 


CAP  IN  CAPTIYITr. 


389 


The  two  Le  Noirs  simultaneously  spraug  forward^ 
astonisliment,  disappointment  and  rage  contending  in  their 
blanched  faces  ! 

Who  are  you,  girl  V  exclaimed  Colonel  Le  Noir. 
Capitola  Black,  your  honoris  glory  V  she  replied^ 
making  a  deep  courtesy. 

What  the  foul  fiend  is  the  meaning  of  all  this  in 
the  same  breath  inquired  the  father  and  son. 

Cap  put  her  thumb  to  the  side  of  her  nose  and  whirling 
her  four  fingers,  replied  : 

'*It  means,  your  worships^  excellencies,  that — you — 
oan't — come  it  !  it's  no  go  !  this  chicken  won't  fight.  It 
means  that  the  fat^s  in  the  fire,  and  the  cat's  out  of  the 
bag.  It  means  confusion  !  distraction  !  perdition  !  and  a 
tearing  off  of  our  wigs  !  It  means  the  gamers  up,  the  plays 
over,  villiany  is  about  to  be  hanged,  and  virtue  about  to  be 
rewarded,  and  the  curtain  is  going  to  drop,  and  the  princi- 
pal performer — that^s  I — is  going  to  be  called  out  amid  the 
applause  of  the  audience  ?"  Then  suddenly  changing  her 
mocking  tone  to  one  of  great  severity,  she  said  : 

''It  means  that  you  have  been  outwitted  by  a  girl ;  it 
means  that  your  proposed  victim  has  fled,  and  is  by  this 
time  in  safety.  It  means  that  you  two,  precious  father  and 
son  would  be  a  pair  of  knaves  if  you  had  sense  enough  ; 
but,  failing  in  that,  you  are  only  a  pair  of  fools. 

By  this  time  the  attention  of  the  few  persons  in  the 
church  was  aroused.  They  all  arose  to  their  feet  to  look 
and  listen,  and  some  of  them  left  their  places  and 
approached  the  altar.  And  to  these  latter  Capitola  now 
suddenly  turned  and  said,  aloud  : 

Good  people,  I  am  Capitola  Black,  the  niece  and 
ward  of  Major  Ira  Warfield,  of  Hurricane  Hall,  whom  you 
all  know ;  and  now  I  claim  your  protection  while  I  shall 
tell  you  the  meaning  of  my  presence  here.'" 

"  Don't  listen  to  her  !  she  is  a  maniac  V'  cried  Colonel 
Le  Noir. 


390 


CAP  IN  CAPTIVITY. 


''Stop  her  mouth  1"  cried  Craven,  springing  upon  Cap- 
itola,  and  holding  her  tightly  in  the  grasp  of  his  right  arm, 
while  he  covered  her  lips  and  nostrils  with  his  large  left 
hand. 

Capitola  struggled  so  fiercely  to  free  herself  that  Craven 
had  enough  to  do  to  hold  her^  and  so  was  not  aware  of  a 
ringing  footstep  coming  up  the  aisle,  until  a  stunning  hlow 
dealt  from  a  strong  arm  covered  his  face  with  blood,  and 
stretched  him  out  at  Capitola^s  feet. 

Cap  flushed,  breathless,  and  confused,  looked  up,  and 
was  caught  to  the  bosom  of  Herbert  Greyson,  who,  pale 
with  concentrated  rage,  held  her  closely,  and  inquired  : 

Capitola,  what  violence  is  this  which  has  been  done 
you  ? — Explain,  who  is  the  aggressor  ?" 

"  Wai — wai — wait  until  I  get  my  breath  ! — there  !  that 
was  good.  That  villain  has  all  but  strangled  me  to  death. 
Oh,  Herbert,  Fm  so  delighted  you've  come  !  How  is  it 
that  you  always  drop  right  down  at  the  right  time  and  on 
the  right  spot  ?"  said  Cap,  while  gasping  for  breath. 

"  I  will  tell  you  another  time.  Now  I  want  an  explan- 
ation. 

''Yes,  Herbert,  I  also  wish  to  explain — not  only  to  you, 
but  to  these  gaping  good  people.    Let  me  have  a  hearing 
said  Cap. 

''She  is  mad — absolutely  mad  V  cried  Colonel  Le  Noir, 
who  was  assisting  his  son  to  rise. 

"SiLEKCE,  SIR  thundered  Herbert  Greyson,  advanc- 
ing towards  him  with  uplifted  and  threatening  hand. 

"  Gentlemen,  gentlemen  !  pray  remember  that  you  are 
within  the  walls  of  a  church  I"  said  the  distressed  priest. 

"  Craven,  this  is  no  place  for  us — let  us  go  and  pursue 
our  fugitive  ward,"  whispered  Colonel  Le  Noir  to  his  son. 

"We  might  as  well ;  for  it  is  clear  that  all  is  over  here,'' 
replied  Craven. 

And  the  two  baffled  villains  turned  to  leave  the  place. 
Bat  Herbert  Greyson,  speaking  up,  said  : 


CAP  m  CAPTIVITT. 


391 


Good  people  !  prevent  the  escape  of  those  men  until  we 
hear  what  this  young  lady  has  to  say,  that  we  may  judge 
whether  to  let  them  go  or  to  take  them  before  a  magistrate/' 
The  people  flew  to  the  doors  and  windows  and  secured 
them,  and  then  surrounded  the  two  Le  Noirs,  who  found 
themselves  prisoners. 

"  Now  Capitola,  tell  us  how  it  is  that  you  are  here  ?" 
said  Herbert  Greyson. 

Well,  that  elder  man," said  Cap,  ''is  the  guardian  of 
a  young  heiress,  who  was  betrothed  to  a  worthy  young  man, 
one  Dr.  Traverse  Eocke." 

My  friend,"  interrupted  Herbert. 
"  Yes,  Mr.  Greyson,  your  friend.  The  engagement  was 
approved  by  the  young  lady^s  father,  who  gave  them  his 
dying  blessing.  Nevertheless,  in  the  face  of  all  this,  this 
'guardian  '  here,  appointed  by  the  Orphans'  Court  to  take 
charge  of  tlie  heiress  and  her  foiiune,  undertakes,  for  his 
own  ends,  to  compel  the  young  lady  to  break  her  engage- 
ment and  marry  his  own  son.  To  drive  her  to  this  measure, 
he  does  not  hesitate  to  use  every  species  of  cruelty.  This 
night  he  was  to  have  forced  her  to  this  altar.  But  in  the 
interval,  to-da,y,  I  chanced  to  visit  her  at  the  house  v/here 
she  was  confined.  Being  informed  by  her  of  her  distressing 
situation,  and  having  no  time  to  help  her  in  any  better  way, 
I  just  changed  clothes  with  her.  She  escaped  unsuspected 
in  my  dress.  And  those  two  heroes  there,  mistaking  me  for 
her,  forced  me  into  a  carriage  and  dragged  me  hither  to  be 
married  against  my  will.  And  instead  of  catching  an 
heiress,  they  caught  a  Tartar — that's  all !  And  now,  Her- 
bert, let  the  two  poor  wretches  go  hide  their  mortificaf-ion, 
and  do  you  take  me  home,  for  I  am  immensely  tired  of 
doing  the  sentimental,  making  speeches,  and  piling  up 
the  agonies." 

While  Cap  was  delivering  this  long  oration,  the  two  Le 
Noirs  had  made  several  essays  to  interrupt  and  contradict 
her,  but  were  effectually  prevented  by  the  people,  whose 


892 


CAP  m  CAPTIVITY. 


sympathies  were  all  with  the  speaker.  Now,  at  Herbert 
Greyson^s  command,  they  released  the  culprits,  who, 
threatening  loudly,  took  their  departure. 

Herbert  then  led  Oapitola  oat,  and  placed  her  upon  her 
own  pony.  Gyp,  which,  to  her  unbounded  astonishment, 
she  found  there  in  charge  of  Wool,  who  was  also  mounted 
upon  his  own  hack. 

Herbert  Greyson  threw  himself  into  the  saddle  of  a 
third  horse,  and  the  three  took  the  road  to  Hurricane  Hall. 

"And  now,^'  said  Oapitola,  as  Herbert  rode  up  to  her 
side,  "  for  Mercy's  sake  tell  me,  before  I  go  crazy  with  con- 
jecture, how  it  happened  that  you  dropped  down  from  the 
sky  at  the  very  moment  and  on  the  very  spot  where  you 
were  needed  ?  and  where  did  you  light  upon  Wool  and  the 
horses 

It  is  very  simple  when  you  come  to  understand  it," 
said  Herbert,  smiling.  '  "  In  the  first  place,  you  know  I 
graduated  at  the  last  Commencement  ?" 
"Yes.'' 

"  Well,  I  have  just  received  a  lieutenant's  commission  in 
a  regiment  that  is  ordered  to  join  General  Scott  in 
Mexico. " 

"  Oh,  Herbert,  that  is  news,  and  I  don't  know  whether 
to  be  in  despair  or  in  ecstacy  !"  said  Oap,  ready  to  laugh  or 
cry  as  a  feather's  weight  might  tip  the  scales  in  which  she 
balanced  Herbert's  new  honors  with  his  approaching  perils. 

'^If  there's  any  doubt  about  it,  I  decidedly  recommend 
the  latter  emotion  !"  said  Herbert,  laughing. 

"  When  do  you  go  ?"  inquired  Cap. 

"  Our  regiment  embarks  for  Baltimore  on  the  first  of 
next  month.  Meanwhile  I  got  leave  of  absence  to  come  and 
spend  a  week  with  my  friends  at  home." 

"  Oh,  Herbert,  I — I  am  in  a  quandary  !  But  you  haven't 
told  me  yet  how  you  happened  to  meet  with  Wool  and  to 
come  here  just  in  the  nick  of  time." 

"  I  am  just  going  to  do  so.    Well,  you  see,  Oapitola,  I 


CAP  IX  CAPTmTT. 


393 


came  down  in  the  stage  to  Tip  Top,  which  I  reached  about 
three  oViOck.  And  there  I  found  TVool  in  the  hands  .f  :ho 
Philistines,,  snspected  of  being  mad^  from  the  mani^er  in 
which  be  raved  about  losing  sight  of  you.  T\'ell,  of  C'jurse, 
like  a  true  knight,  I  delivered  my  lady's  squire^  comforted 
and  re-assurod  him,  and  made  him  mount  his  own  horse 
and  take  charge  of  yours.  After  which  I  mounted  the 
beast  that  I  bad  hired  to  convey  me  to  iSurricane  iEall,  and 
we  set  oS.  thither.  I  confess  that  I  was  excessively  ar.xious 
on  your  account,  for  I  could  make  nothing  whatt-ver  of 
AVoob's  wild  story  of  your  supposed  metamorphosis.  I 
thought  it  best  to  make  a  circuit,  and  take  the  iHidden 
House  in  our  course,  to  make  s-jme  inquiries  there  as  to 
what  had  really  hajDpened.  I  had  got  a  little  bewildered 
between  the  dark  night  and  the  strange  road,  and  seeing  the 
light  in  the  church,  I  had  just  ridden  up  to  incpaire  my 
way,  when  to  my  astonishment  I  saw  yoti  within,  before 
the  al:ar,  straggling  in  :he  grasp  of  that  ruffian.  Ar/.  - 
kuo^  th:-  re?t.  And  now  let  us  ride  on  quickly,  fur  I  ..^.ve 
a  strong  presentiment  that  Major  Warfield  is  suffering  the 
tortures  of  a  lost  soul  through  anxiety  upon  your  account/'' 
concluded  Herbert  Greyson. 

Please,  iMarse  Herbert  and  iMiss  Cap,  don't  you  tell 
ole  marse  nuffen  'tall  'bout  my  loosin'  sight  of  you,'"  pleaded 
Wool. 

AVe  shall  tell  your  old  master  all  about  it,  "Wool,  for  I 
would  not  have  him  miss  the  pleasure  of  hearing  this 
adventure  upon  any  account ;  but  I  promise  to  bear  you 
harmless  through  it,"  said  Herbert,  as  they  galloped  rap- 
idly covv-ards  home. 

They  reached  Hurricane  Hall  by  eight  o^clock,  and  in 
good  time  for  supper.  They  found  Old  Hurricane  storm- 
ing all  over  the  house,  and  :  : ng  everybody  off  the  prem- 
ises, in  his  fury  of  anxiety  i;vo:.  Capitola^s  account.  But 
when  the  party  arrived,  surprise  at  seeing  them  in  the  com- 


394     AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAh's  COTTAGE. 

pany  of  Herbert  Greyson,  quite  revolutionized  his  mood, 
and  forgetting  to  rage,  he  gave  them  all  a  hearty  welcome. 

And  when  after  supper  was  over,  and  they  were  all 
gathered  around  the  comfortable  fire-side,  and  Herbert  ♦ 
related  the  adventures  and  feats  of  Oapitola  at  the  Hidden 
House,  and  in  the  Forest  Chapel,  the  old  man  grasped  the 
hand  of  his  favorite,  and  with  his  stormy  old  eyes  full  of 
rain,  said  : 

You  deserve  to  have  been  a  man,  Cap !   Indeed  you 
do,  my  girl !" 

That  was  his  highest  style  of  praise. 
Then  Herbert  told  his  own  little  story  of  getting  his 
commission  and  being  ordered  to  Mexico. 

God  bless  you,  lad,  and  save  you  in  the  battle,  and 
bring  you  home  with  victory  V*  was  Old  Hurricane^s  com- 
ment. 

Then  seeing  that  the  young  people  were  quite  worn  out 
with  fatigue,  and  feeling  not  averse  to  his  own  comfortable 
couch.  Old  Hurricane  broke  up  the  circle,  and  they  all  re- 
tired, to  rest. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

AN"  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAH'S  COTTAGE. 

"  *  Friend,  wilt  thou  give  me  shelter  here 
The  stranger  meekly  saith ; 
*  My  life  is  haunted  ;  evil  men 
Are  following  on  my  path.* " 

Marah  Rocke  sat  by  her  lonely  fireside. 

The  cottage  was  not  changed  in  any  respect  since  the 
day  upon  which  we  first  of  all  found  her  there.  There  was 
the  same  bright,  little  wood  fire  ;  the  same  clean  hearth. 


AN  UNEXPECTED   VIsriOE  AT  MAEAh's  COTTAGE.  S05 


and  the  identical  faded  cari^et  on  the  floor.  There  was  the 
dresser  with  its  glistening  crockerv-ware  on  the  right,  and 
the  shelves  with  Travoi-so's  old  school-hooks  on  the  left  of 
the  fire-place. 

The  widow  herself  had  changed  in  nothing  except  that 
her  clean^  black  dress  was  threadbare  and  rusty^  and  her 
patient  face  whiter  and  thiimer  than  before. 

And  now  there  was  no  eager  restlessness  :  no  frequent 
listening  and  looking  tov/ards  the  door.  Alas  I  she  could 
not  now  expect  to  hear  iier  boy's  light  and  springing  step 
and  cheerful  voice  as  he  hurried  home  at  eventide  from  his 
daily  work.  Traverse  was  far  away  at  St.  Louis  under- 
going the  cares  and  .trials  of  a  friendless  young  physician 
trying  to  get  into  practice.  Six  months  had  passed  since 
he  took  leave  of  her,  and  there  was  as  yet  no  hope  of  his 
returning  even  to  pay  a  visit. 

So  Marah  sat  very  still  and  sad,  bending  over  her 
needle-work,  without  ever  turning  her  head  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  door.  True,  he  wrote  to  her  every  week.  Xo 
Wednesday  ever  passed  without  bringing  her  a  letter  writ- 
ten in  a  strong,  buoyant  and  encouraging  strain.  Still  she 
missed  Traverse  very  sadly.  It  was  dreary  to  rise  up  in 
the  empty  house  every  morning ;  dreary  to  sit  down  to  her 
solitary  meals,  and  drearier  still  to  go  to  bed  in  her  lonely 
room  without  having  received  her  boy's  kiss  and  heard  his 
cheerful  good-night.  And  it  was  her  custom  every  night 
to  read  over  Traversers  last  letter  before  retiring  to  bed. 

It  was  getting  on  towards  ten  o'clock  when  she  folded 
up  her  work  and  put  it  away,  and  drew  her  boy's  latest 
epistle  from  her  bosom  to  read.    It  ran  as  follows : 

St.  Louis^  Dec.  1,  184-. 

My  Dearest  Mothee  : — I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that 
you  continue  in  good  health,  and  that  you  do  not  work  too 
hard,  or  miss  me  too  sadly.  It  is  the  greatest  comfort  of 
my  life  to  hear  good  news  of  you,  sweet  mother.    I  count 


396    AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOE  AT  MAEAH^S  COTTAGE. 

the  days  from  one  letter  to  anotlier,  and  read  every  last 
letter  over  daily  until  I  get  a  new  one.  You  insist  upon 
my  telling  you  how  I  am  getting  on,  and  whether  I  am  out 
of  money.  I  am  doing  quite  well,  ma'am,  and  have  some 
funds  left  !  I  have  quite  a  considerable  practice.  It  is 
true  that  my  professional  services  are  in  request  only  among 
the  very  poor,  who  pay  me  with  their  thanks  and  good 
wishes.  But  I  am  very  glad  to  pay  off  a  small  part  of  the 
great  debt  of  gratitude  I  owe  to  the  benevolent  of  this 
world  by  doing  aH  that  I  can  in  my  turn  for  the  needy. 
And  even  if  I  had  never  myself  been  the  object  of  a  good 
man^s  benevolence,  I  should  still  have  desired  to  serve  the 
indigent;  '^^for  whoso  giveth  to  the  poor  lendeth  to  the 
Lord,^'  and  I  like  the  security.'^  Therefore,  sweet  mother 
of  mine,  be  at  ease,  for  I  am  getting  on  swimminglj^ — with 
one  exception.  Still  I  do  not  hear  from  our  Clara.  Six 
months  have  now  passed,  during  which,  despite  of  the 
seeming  silence,  I  have  written  to  her  every  week ;  but  not 
one  letter  or  message  have  I  received  from  her  in  return  ! 
And  now  you  tell  me  also  that  you  have  not  received  a 
single  letter  from  her  either.  I  know  not  what  to  think. 
Anxiety  upon  her  account  is  my  one  sole  trouble.  Not 
that  I  wrong  the  dear  girl  by  one  instant's  doubt  of  her 
constancy — no  ;  my  soul  upon  her  truth  !  if  I  could  do  that, 
I  should  be  most  unworthy  of  her  love.  No,  mother,  you 
and  I  know  that  Clara  is  true.  But,  ah,  we  do  not  know 
to  what  sufferings  she  may  be  subjected  by  Le  Noir,  who  I 
firmly  believe  has  intercepted  all  our  letters.  Mother,  I 
am  about  to  ask  a  great,  perhaps  an  unreasonable,  favor  of 
you.  It  is  to  go  down  into  the  neighborhood  of  the  Hid- 
den House,  and  make  inquiries,  and  try  to  find  out  Clara's 
real  condition.  If  it  be  possible,  put  yourself  into  com- 
munication with  her,  and  tell  her  that  I  judge  her  heart 
by  my  own  and  have  the  firmest  faith  in  her  constancy, 
even  though  I  have  written  to  her  every  week  for  six 
months,  without  ever  having  received  an  answer.    I  feel 


AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAh's  COTTAGE.  397 

that  I  [im  putting  you  to  expense  and  trouble,  but  my  great 
anxiety  about  Clara,  which  I  am  sure  you  share,  must  be 
my  excuse.  I  kiss  your  dear  and  honored  hands  :  and  re- 
main ever. 

Your  loving  son  and  faithful  servant, 

Teaveese  Eocke. 

I  must  try  to  go.  It  will  be  an  awful  expense,  because 
I  know  no  one  down  there,  and  I  shall  have  to  board  at  the 
tavern  at  Tip  Top  while  I  am  making  inquiries — for  I  dare 
not  approach  the  dwelling  of  Gabriel  Le  Noir  V  said  Marah 
Eocke,  as  she  folded  up  her  letter,  and  replaced  it  in  her 
bosom. 

Just  at  that  moment  she  heard  the  sound  of  wheels 
approach,  and  a  vehicle  of  some  sort  draw  up  to  the  gate, 
and  some  one  speaking  without. 

She  went  to  the  door,  and  listening,  heard  a  girlish  voice 
say: 

A  dollar  ? — Yes,  certainly ;  here  it  is.  There  you 
may  go  now." 

She  recognized  the  voice,  and  with  a  cry  of  joy  jerked 
the  door  open  just  as  the  carriage  rolled  away.  And  the 
next  instant  Clara  Day  was  in  her  arms. 

Oh,my  darling  !  my  darling  !  my  darling  !  is  this  really 
you  ?  Eeally,  really  you,  and  no  dream  ?"  cried  Marah 
Eocke,  all  in  a  flutter  of  excitement,  as  she  strained  Clara 
to  her  bosom. 

Yes,  it  is  I,  sweet  friend  ;  come  to  stay  with  you  a 
long  time,  perhaps, said  Clara,  softly,  returning  her 
caresses. 

Oh,  my  lamb  !  my  lamb  !  what  a  jojrful  surprise  !  I 
do  think  I  shall  go  crazy  !  Where  did  you  come  from,  my 
pet  ?  Who  came  with  you  ?  When  did  you  start  ?  Did 
Le  Noir  consent  to  your  coming  ?  And  how  did  it  happen  ? 
— But,  dear  child,  how  worn  and  weary  you  look.  You 
must  be  very  tired.   Have  you  had  supper  ?   Oh,  my  darl- 


398    AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAH's  COTTAGE. 

ing  !  come  and  lie  down  on  this  soft  lounge,  while  I  put 
av^ay  your  things  and  get  you  some  refreshment/'  said  Marah 
Eocke,  in  a  delirium  of  joy,  as  she  took  off  Clara's  hat  and 
sacque,  and  laid  her  down  to  rest  on  the  lounge,  which  she 
wheeled  up  near  the  fire. 

Oh,  my  sweet,  we  have  been  so  anxious  about  you  ! 
Traverse  and  myself.  Traverse  is  still  at  St.  Louis,  love, 
getting  on  slowly.  He  has  written  to  you  every  week,  and 
so  indeed  have  I,  but  we  neither  of  us  have  so  much  as  one 
letter  in  reply.  And  yet  neither  of  us  ever  doubted  your 
true  heart,  my  child.  We  knew  that  the  letters  must  have 
been  lost,  miscarried,  or  intercepted,"  said  Marah,  as  she 
busied  herself  putting  on  the  tea-kettle. 

They  must  indeed,  since  my  experience  in  regard  to 
letters  exactly  corresponds  with  yours.  I  have  written 
every  week  to  both  of  you,  yet  never  received  one  line  in 
reply  from  either,''  said  Clara. 

"  We  knew  it  :  we  said  so.  Oh,  those  Le  Noirs  !  those 
Le  Noirs  !  But,  my  darling,  you  are  perfectly  exhausted, 
and  though  I  have  asked  you  a  half  an  hundred  questions, 
you  shall  not  reply  to  one  of  them,  nor  talk  a  bit  more  until 
you  have  rested  and  had  refreshment.  Here,  my  love,  hero 
is  Traverse's  last  letter.  It  will  amuse  you  to  lie  and  read 
it  while  I  am  getting  tea,"  said  Marah,  taking  the  paper 
from  her  bosom  and  handing  it  to  Clara,  and  then  placing 
the  stand  with  the  light  near  the  head  of  her  couch,  that 
she  might  see  to  read  it  without  rising. 

And  while  Clara,  well  pleased,  perused  and  smiled  over 
her  lover's  letter,  Marah  Rocke  laid  the  cloth  and  spread  a 
delicate  repast  of  tea,  milk-toast  and  poached  eggs,  of  which 
she  tenderly  pressed  her  visitor  to  partake. 

And  when  Clara  was  somewhat  refreshed  by  food  and 
rest,  she  said  : 

Now,  dear  mamma,  you  will  wish  to  hear  how  it 
happens  that  I  am  with  you  to-night." 

Not  unless  you  feel  quite  rested,  dear  girl/* 


AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAh's  COTTAGE.  390 

I  am  rested  sufiBcientlj  for  thd  purpose,  besides  I  am 
anxious  to  tell  you.  And  oh,  dear  mamma  !  I  could  just 
now  sit  in  your  lap,  and  lay  my  head  upon  your  kind,  soft 
bosom  so  willingly." 

"Come,  then  Qara.  Come,  then  my  darling,"  said 
Marah,  tenderly;  holding  out  her  arms. 

No,  no,  mamma,  you  are  too  little,  it  would  be  a  sin," 
said  Clara,  smiling;  '^but  I  will  sit  by  you  and  put  my 
hand  in  yours,  and  rest  my  head  against  your  shoulder 
while  I  tell  you  all  about  it." 

"  Come,  then  my  darling,"  said  Marah  Rocke. 

Clara  took  the  offered  seat,  and  when  she  was  fixed  to 
her  liking,  she  commenced  and  related  to  her  friend  a  full 
history  of  all  that  had  occurred  to  her  at  the  Hidden 
House,  from  the  moment  that  she  had  first  crossed  its 
threshold  to  the  hour  in  which,  through  the  courage  and 
address  of  Capitola,  she  was  delivered  from  imminent 
peril. 

"  And  now,"  said  Clara,  in  conclusion,  "  I  have  come 
hither  in  order  to  get  Dr.  Williams  to  make  one  more 
appeal  for  me  to  the  Orphans'  Court.  And  when  it  is 
proved  what  a  traitor  my  guardian  has  been  to  his  trust,  I 
have  no  doubt  that  the  judge  will  appoint  some  one  else  in 
his  place,  or  at  least  see  that  my  father's  last  wish  in 
regard  to  my  residence  is  carried  into  effect." 

*^  Heaven  grant  it,  my  child  !  Heaven  grant  it !  Oh, 
those  Le  Noirs  !  those  Le  Noirs !  were  there  ever  in  the 
world  before  such  ruthless  villains  and  accomplished  hypo- 
crites !"  said  Marah  Rocke,  clasping  her  hands  in  the 
strength  of  her  emotions. 

A  long  time  yet  they  talked  together,  and  then  they 
retired  to  bed,  and  still  talked  until  they  fell  asleep  in  each 
othei-'s  arms. 

The  next  morning  the  widow  arose  early,  gazed  a  little 
while  with  delight  upon  the  sleeping  daughter  of  her 
heart,  pressed  a  kiss  upon  her  cheek  so  softly  as  not  to  dis- 


400    AN  UNEXPECTED  YISITOE  AT  MARAh's  COTTAGE. 

turb  her  rest,  and  then,  leaying  her  still  in  the  deep,  sweet 
sleep  of  wearied  youth,  she  went  down  stairs  to  get  a  nice 
breakfast. 

Luckily  a  farmer^s  carfc  was  just  passing  the  road  before 
the  cottage  on  its  way  to  market. 

Marah  took  out  her  little  purse  from  her  pocket,  hailed 
the  driver,  and  expended  half  her  little  store  in.purchasirg 
two  young  chickens,  some  eggs,  and  some  dried  peaches, 
saying  to  herself  : 

'^Dear  Clara  always  had  a  good  appetite,  and  healthy 
young  human  nature  must  live  substantially,  in  spite  of  all 
its  little  heart-aches/^ 

While  Marah  was  preparing  the  chicken  for  the  grid- 
iron, the  door  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs  opened,  and  Clara 
came  in,  looking,  after  her  night's  rest,  as  fresh  as  a  rose- 
bud. 

"  What !  up  with  the  sun,  my  darling  V  said  Marah, 
going  to  meet  her. 

Yes,  mamma.  Oh  !  it  is  so  good  to  be  here  with  you 
in  this  nice,  quiet  place,  with  no  one  to  make  me  shudder. 
But  you  must  let  me  help  you,  mamma.  See  !  I  will  set 
the  table  and  make  the  toast/' 

Oh,  Miss  Clara  " 

"  Yes,  I  will  !  I  have  been  ill-used  and  made  miser- 
able, and  now  you  must  pet  me,  mamma,  and  let  me  have 
my  own  way,  and  help  you  to  cook  our  little  meals  and  to 
make  the  house  tidy,  and  afterwards  to  work  those  button- 
holes in  the  shirts  you  were  spoiliug  your  gentle  eyes  over 
last  night.  Oh  !  if  they  will  only  let  me  stay  here  with  you 
and  be  at  peace,  we  shall  be  very  happy  together,  you  and 
I  V  said  Clara,  as  she  drew  out  the  little  table  and  laid  the 
cloth. 

*'My  dear  child,  may  the  Lord  make  you  as  happy  as 
your  sweet  affection  would  make  me  V  said  Marah. 

'^■We  can  work  for  our  living  together,''  continued 
Clara,  as  she  gaily  flitted  about  from  the  dresser  to  the 


AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MAKAh's  COTTAGE.  401 

table,  placing  the  cups  and  saucers  and  plates — '^you  can 
sew  the  seams  and  do  the  plain  hemming,  and  I  can  work 
the  button-holes  and  stitch  the  bosoms,  collars  and  wrist- 
bands. And  '  if  the  worst  comes  to  the  worst,'  we  can 
hang  out  our  little  shingle  before  the  cottage  gate,  inscribed 
with  : 

MKS.  EOOKE  AND  DAXJGHTEE, 

SHIET  MAKERS. 

Orders  executed  with  neatness  and  despatch. 

We'd  drive  a  thriving  business,  mamma,  I  assure 
you,'*  said  Clara,  as  she  sat  down  on  a  low  stool  at  the 
hearth  ai  d  began  to  toast  the  bread. 

I  trust  in  Heaven  that  it  will  never  come  to  that  with 
you,  my  dear.'^ 

Why  ?  why,  mamma  ?  why  should  I  not  taste  of  toil 
and  care  as  well  as  others  a  thousand  times  better  than  my- 
self ?  Why  should  not  I  work  as  well  as  you  and  Traverse, 
mamma  ?  I  stand  upon  the  broad  platform  of  human 
rights,  and  I  say  I  have  just  as  good  a  right  to  work  as 
others,"  said  Clara,  with  a  pretty  assumption  of  obstinacy, 
as  she  placed  the  plate  of  toast  upon  the  board. 

Doubtless,  dear  Clara,  you  m.s>j  pla// work  just  as 
much  as  you  please  ;  but  heaven  forbid  you  should  ever 
have  to  worJc  at  work  !"  replied  Mrs.  Rocke,  as  she  placed 
the  coffee-pot  and  the  dish  of  broiled  chicken  on  the  table. 

'^'^  Why,  mamma  ?  I  do  not  think  that  is  a  good  praj^er 
at  all.  That  is  a  wicked,  proud  prayer,  Mrs.  Marah  Rocke. 
Why  shoulcln^t  your  daughter  really  toil  as  well  as  other 
people's  daughters,  I'd  like  to  be  informed  ?"  said  Clara, 
mockingly,  as  they  both  took  their  seats  at  the  table. 

'^1  think,  dear  Clara,  that  you  must  have  contracted 
some  of  your  eccentric  little  friend  Capitola's  ways,  from 


402    AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAh's  COTTAGE. 


putting  on  her  habit.  I  never  before  saw  you  in  such  gay 
spirits,"  said  Mrs.  Rocke,  as  she  poured  out  the  coffee.  . 

"  Oh,  mamma,  it  is  but  the  glad  rebound  of  the  free 
bird  !  I  am  so  glad  to  have  escaped  from  that  dark  prison 
of  the  Hidden  House,  and  to  be  here  with  you  !  But  tell 
me,  mamma,  is  my  old  home  occupied 

No,  my  dear  ;  no  tenant  has  been  found  for  it.  The 
property  is  in  the  hands  of  an  agent  to  let ;  but  the  house 
remains  quite  vacant  and  deserted.'' 
Why  is  that      asked  Clara. 

"  Why,  my  love,  for  the  strangest  reason.  The  foolish 
country  people  say  that  since  the  doctor's  death,  the  place 
has  been  haunted." 

'^Haunted  !" 

"  Yes,  my  dear,  so  the  foolish  people  say,  and  they  get 
wiser  ones  to  believe  them." 

What  exactly  do  they  say  ?  I  hope— I  hope  they  do 
not  trifle  with  my  dear  father's  honored  name  and  mem- 
ory ?" 

Oh,  no,  my  darling — no  ;  but  they  say  that  although 
the  house  is  quite  empty  and  deserted  by  the  living,  strange 
sights  and  sounds  are  heard  and  seen  by  passers-by  at 
night.  Lights  appear  at  the  upper  windows  from  which 
pale  faces  look  out." 

"  How  very  strange  !"  said  Clara. 

^'Yes,  my  dear,  and  these  stories  have  gained  such 
credence  that  no  one  can  be  found  to  take  the  house." 

So  much  the  better,  dear  mamma,  for  if  the  new 
judge  of  the  Orphans'  Court  should  give  a  decision  in  our 
favor,  as  he  must,  when  he  hears  the  evidence,  old  and 
new,  you  and  I  can  move  right  into  it,  and  need  not  then 
enter  the  shirtmaking  line  of  business." 

^'  Heaven  grant  it,  my  dear.  But  now,  Clara,  my  love, 
we  must  lose  no  time  in  seeing  Doctor  Williams,  lest  your 
guardian  should  pursue  you  here  and  give  you  fresh  trou- 
ble." 


AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MARAh's  COTTAGE.  403 


Clara  assented  to  tliis^  and  they  immediately  arose  from 
the  table,  cleared  away  the  service,  put  the  room  in  order, 
and  went  up  stairs  to  put  on  their  bonnets — Mrs.  Eocke 
lending  Clara  her  own  best  bonnet  and  shawl.  When  they 
were  quite  ready,  they  locked  up  the  house  and  set  out  for 
the  town. 

It  was  a  bright,  frosty,  invigorating  winter's  morning, 
and  the  two  friends  walked  rapidly  until  they  reached 
Doctor  Williams^  house. 

The  kind  old  man  was  at  home,  and  was  much  surprised 
and  pleased  to  see  his  visitors.  He  invited  them  into  his 
parlor,  and  when  he  had  heard  their  story,  he  said  : 

"  This  is  a  much  more  serious  affair  than  the  other. 
We  must  employ  counsel.  Witnesses  must  be  brought  from 
the  neighborhood  of  the  Hidden  House.  You  are  aware 
that  the  late  judge  of  the  Orphans''  Court  has  been  appointed 
to  a  high  office  under  the  government  at  Washington.  The 
man  that  has  his  place  is  a  person  of  sound  integrity  who 
will  do  his  duty.  It  remains  only  for  us  to  prove  the  jus- 
tice of  our  cause  to  hii-  satisfaction,  and  all  will  be  well.'^ 

Oh,  I  trust  in  Heaven  that  it  will  be,^^  said  Marah, 
fervently. 

^'You  two  must  stay  in  my  house  until  the  affair  is 
decided.  Youmiglit  possibly  be  safe  from  real  injury  ;  but 
you  could  not  be  free  from  molestation  in  your  unprotected 
condition  at  the  cottage,'"  said  Doctor  Williams. 

Clara  warmly  expressed  her  thanks. 
You  had  better  go  home  now  and  pack  up  what  you 
wish  to  bring,  and  put  out  the  fire  and  close  up  the  house, 
and  come  here  immediately. 

In  the  meantime  I  will  see  your  dear  father's  solicitor 
and  be  ready  with  my  report  by  the  time  you  get  back,'' 
said  Doctor  Williams,  promptly  taking  his  hat  to  go. 

Mrs.  Eocke  and  Clara  set  out  for  the  cottage  which  they 
soon  reached. 

Throwing  off  her  bonnet  and  shawl,  Clara  said  : 


40  J:    AN  UNEXPECTED  VISITOR  AT  MAKAh's  COTTAGE. 

'^Now,  mamma,  the  very  first  thing  I  shall  do  will  be 
to  write  to  Traverse,  so  that  we  can  send  the  letter  by  to- 
day^s  mail,  and  set  his  mind  at  rest.  I  shall  simply  tell 
him  that  our  mutual  letters  have  failed  to  reach  their  des- 
tination, but  that  I  am  now  on  a  visit  to  you,  and  that 
while  I  remain  here  nothing  can  interrupt  our  correspond- 
ence. I  shall  not  speak  of  the  coming  suit,  until  we  shall 
see  how  it  will  end." 

Mrs.  Rocke  approved  this  plan,  and  placed  writing 
materials  on  the  table.  And  while  the  matron  employed 
herself  in  closing  up  the  rooms,  packing  up  what  was  need- 
ful to  take  with  them  to  the  doctor^s,  and  putting  out  the 
fire,  Clara  wrote  and  sealed  her  letter.  They  then  put  on 
their  bonnets,  locked  up  the  house,  and  set  out.  They 
called  at  the  post-ofiBce  just  in  time  to  mail  their  letter, 
and  they  reached  the  doctor^s  house  just  as  he  himself 
walked  up  to  the  door,  accompanied  by  the  lawyer.  The 
latter  greeted  the  daughter  of  his  old  client,  and  her  friend, 
and  they  all  went  into  the  house  together. 

In  the  doctor's  study  the  whole  subject  of  Clara's  flight 
and  its  occasion  was  talked  over,  and  the  lawyer  agreed  to 
commence  proceedings  immediately. 


CAP  EESTS  ON  HER  LAURELS. 


405 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

cap  "bests  on"  her  laurels''  and  "spoils  for  a 

fight/' 

"  'Tis  hardly  in  a  body's  power, 
To  keep  at  times  frae  being  sour, 
To  see  how  things  are  shared ; 
How  best  o'  chiels  are  whiles  in  want, 
While  coofs  and  countless  thousands  rant, 
And  ken  na  how  to  wear't."  — Burns. 

Leaving  Clara  Day  and  Marah  Rocke  in  a  home  of 
safety,  plenty  and  kindness,  in  the  old  doctor's  house,  we 
must  run  down  to  Hurricane  Hall,  to  see  what  mischief 
Cap  has  been  getting  into  since  we  left  her  !  In  truth, 
none.  Cap  had  had  such  a  surfeit  of  adventures,  that  she 
was  fain  to  lie  by  and  rest  upon  her  laurels.  Besides,  there 
seemed  just  now  nothing  to  do — no  tyrants  to  take  down, 
no  robbers  to  capture,  no  distressed  damsels  to  deliver,  and 
Cap  was  again  in  danger  of  "spoiling  for  a  fight."  And 
then  Herbert  Greyson  was  at  the  Hall—Herbert  Greyson 
whom  she  vowed  always  did  make  a  Miss  ISTancy  of  her!  And 
so  Cap  had  to  content  herself  for  a  w^ek  with  quiet  morn- 
ings of  needle-work  at  her  work-stand,  with  Herbert  to  read 
to  or  talk  with  her ;  sober  afternoon  rides,  attended  by 
Herbert  and  Old  Hurricane  ;  and  hum-drum  evenings  at 
the  chessboard,  with  the  same  Herbert,  while  Major  War- 
field  dozed  in  a  great  "  sleepy  hollow  "  of  an  arm-chair. 

One  afternoon  when  they  were  out  riding  through  the 
woods  beyond  the  Demon's  Eun,  a  sheriff's  officer  rode  up, 
and  bowing  to  the  party,  presented  a  suspicious-looking 
document  to  Capitola,  and  a  similar  one  to  Herbert  Grey- 
Bon.    And  while  Old  Hurricane  stared  his  eyes  half  out, 


406 


CAP  RESTS  ON  HER  LAURELS. 


the  parties  most  interested  opened  the  papers,  which  they 
found  to  be  rather  pressing  invitations  to  be  present  at  a 
certain  solemnity  at  Staunton.  In  a  word,  they  Avere  sub- 
poenaed to  give  testimony  in  the  case  of  Williams  vs.  Le 
!N"oir. 

Here's  a  diabolical  dilemma  V'  said  old  Hurricane  to 
himself,  as  soon  as  he  learned  the  purport  of  these  docu- 
ments ;  here  I  shall  have  to  bring  Cap  into  court  face  to 
face  with  ^that  demon  to  bear  witness  against  him.  Sup- 
pose, losing  one  ward  he  should  lay  claim  to  another  !  Ah, 
but  he  can't  without  foully  criminating  himself.  Well, 
well,  we  shall  see  V 

While  Old  Hurricane  was  cogitating.  Cap  was  exulting. 

''Oh,  wo7i't  I  tell  all  I  know!   Yes,  and  more  too 
she  exclaimed,  in  triumph. 

'' '  More  too  !'  oh !  hoity-toity  !  never  say  more  too  V' 
said  Herbert,  laughing. 

''I  will,  for  I'll  tell  all  I  suspect  \"  ^said  Cap  galloping 
on  ahead,  in  her  eagerness  to  get  home  and  pack  up  for  her 
journey. 

The  next  day  Old  Hurricane,  Herbert  Greyson,  Capi- 
tol a,  Pitapat  and  Wool  went  by  stage  to  Staunton.  They 
put  up  at  the  Planters'  and  Farmers'  Hotel,  whence  Her- 
bert Greyson  and  Capitola  soon  sallied  forth  to  see  Clara 
and  Mrs.  Rocke.  They  soon  found  the  doctor's  house,  and 
were  ushered  into  the  parlor  in  the  presence  of  their 
friends. 

The  meeting  between  Capitola  and  Clara  and  between 
Mrs.  Rocke  and  Herbert  was  very  cordial.  And  then 
Herbert  introduced  Capitola  to  Mrs.  Rocke,  and  Cap  pre- 
sented Herbert  to  Clara.  And  they  all  entered  into  con- 
versation upon  the  subject  of  the  coming  lawsuit,  and  the 
circumstances  that  led  to  it.  And  Clara  and  Capitola 
related  to  each  other  all  that  had  happened  to  each  after 
their  exchanging  clothes  and  parting.  And  when  they 
had  laughed  over  their  mutual  adventures  and  misadven- 


CAP  REST3  ON  HER  LAOIELS. 


407 


tuTos,  Herbert  and  Capitola  took  leave  and  returned  to 
tlieir  hotel. 

Herbert  Greyson  ^as  the  most  serious  of  the  whole 
family.  Upon  reaching  the  hotel  he  went  to  his  own 
room,  and  fell  into  deep  reflection.  And  this  was  the 
course  of  his  thoughts  : 

Ira  AVarfield  and  ^larah  Eocke  are  here  in  the  same 
town  !  brought  hither  upon  the  same  errand  I  to-morrow  to 
meet  in  the  same  court-room  I  And  yet  not  either  of  them 
suspects  the  presence  of  the  other.  Mrs.  Eocke  does  not 
know  that  in  Capitola's  nncle  she  will  behold  Major  "War- 
field  !  He  does  not  foresee  that  in  Clara's  matronly  friend 
he  will  behold  Marah  Eocke.  And  Le  Xoir.  the  canse  of 
all  their  misery,  will  be  present  also.  TThat  will  be  the 
effect  of  this  unexpected  meeting  ?  Ought  I  not  to  warn 
one  or  the  other  ? — Let  me  think — Xo  !  for  were  I  to  warn 
Major  Warfield  he  would  abseut  himself.  Should  I  drop  a 
hint  to  Marah  she  would  shrink  from  the  meeting.  Xo,  I 
will  leave  it  all  to  Providence  ;  perhaps  the  sight  of  her 
sweet,  pale  face  and  soft  appealing  eyes,  so  full  of  constancy 
and  truth,  may  touch  that  stern  old  heart.  Heaven  grant 
it  may  V  concluded  Herbert  Greyson. 

The  next  day  the  suit  came  on. 

At  an  early  hour  Dr.  Williams  appeared,  having  in 
charge  Clara  Day,  who  was  attended  by  her  friend  Mrs. 
Eocke.  They  were  accommodated  with  seats  immediately 
in  front  of  the  judge. 

Very  soon  afterwards  Major  Warfield,  Herbert  Greyson 
and  Capitola  entered,  and  took  their  places  on  the  wit- 
ness's bench,  at  the  right  side  of  the  court-room. 

Herbert  watched  Old  Hurricane,  whose  eyes  were  spell- 
bound to  the  bench  where  sat  Mrs.  Eocke  and  Clara.  Both 
were  dressed  in  deep  mourning,  with  their  veils  down  and 
their  faces  towards  the  judge.  But  Herbert  dreaded  every 
instant  that  Marah  Eocke  should  turn  her  head  and  meet 
that  fixed,  wistful  look  of  Old  Htirricane.   And  he  wondered 


408 


CAP  ra^sTS  ON  her  laurels. 


what  strange  instinct  it  could  be  that  rivetted  the  old  man's 
regards  to  that  unrecognized  woman. 

At  last,  to  Herbert's  great  uneasiness.  Major  Warfield 
turned  and  commenced  questioning  him  : 
Who  is  that  woman  in  mourning  ?" 
^'  Hem — m — that  one  with  the  flaxen  curls  under  her 
bonnet  is  Miss  Day." 

I  don't  mean  the  girl,  I  mean  the  woman  sitting  by 
her  ?" 

That  is — ^hem — hem  ! — that  is  Doctor  Williams  sit- 
ting  

Old  Hurricane  turned  abruptly  around  and  favored  his 
nephew  with  a  severe,  scrutinizing  gaze — demanding  : 

^'  Herbert,  have  you  been  drinking  so  early  in  the  morn- 
ing ? — Demmy,  sir  !  this  is  not  the  season  for  mint  juleps 
before  breakfast !  Is  that  great,  stout,  round-bodied,  red- 
faced  old  Doctor  Williams  a  little  woman  ? — I  see  him  sit- 
ting on  the  right  of  Miss  Day.  I  didn't  refer  to  him.  I 
referred  to  that  still,  quiet  little  woman  sitting  on  her  left, 
who  has  never  stirred  hand  or  foot  since  she  sat  down  there. 
Who  is  she  ?" 

^'  That  woman  ? — oh  ! — she  ? — yes — ah,  let  me  see — she 
is  a — Miss  Day's  companion  !"  faltered  Herbert. 

"  To  the  demon  with  you  !  who  does  not  see  that  ? — 
But  who  is  she  ?  What  is  her  name  ?"  abruptly  demanded 
Old  Hurricane. 

Her  name  is  a — a — Did  you  ever  see  her  before,  sir  ?'^ 
I  don't  know.    That  is  what  I  am  trying  to  remember. 
But,  sir,  will  you  answer  my  question  ?" 

"  You  seem  very  much  interested  in  her." 

^'  You  seem  very  much  determined  not  to  let  me  know 
who  she  is  !  Hang  it,  sir  !  will  you  or  will  you  not,  tell  me 
that  woman's  name  ?" 

"  Certainly,"  said  Herbert ;     her  name  is  "  He 

was  about  to  say  Marah  Rocke,  but  moral  indignation  over- 
powered him,  and  he  paused. 


CAP  EESTS  ON  HER  LAURELS. 


409 


Well,  well,  her  name  is  what  impatiently  demanded 
Old  Hurricane. 

Mrs.  Warfield     answered  Herbert  doggedly. 

And  jnst  at  that  unfortunate  moment  Marah  turned  her 
pale  face  and  beseeching  eyes  around  and  met  the  full  gaze 
of  her  husband  ! 

In  an  instant  her  face  blanched  to  marble  and  her  head 
sank  upon  the  railing  before  her  bench.  Old  Hurricane 
was  too  dark  to  grow  pale,  but  his  bronzed  cheek  turned  as 
gray  as  his  hair,  which  fairly  lifted  itself  on  his  head. 
Grasping  his  walking  stick  with  both  his  hands,  he  tottered 
to  his  feet,  and  muttering  : 

ril  murder  you  for  this,  Herbert  V  he  strode  out  of 
the  court-room. 

Marah^s  head  rested  for  about  a  minute  on  the  railing 
before  her,  and  when  she  lifted  it  again,  her  face  was  as 
calm  and  patient  as  before. 

This  little  incident  had  passed  without  attracting  atten- 
tion from  any  one  except  Oapitola,  who,  sitting  on  the  other 
side  of  Herbert  Greyson,  had  heard  the  little  passage  of 
words  between  him  and  her  uncle,  and  had  seen  the  latter 
start  up  and  go  out,  and  who  now  turning  to  her  companion, 
inquired  : 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  Herbert  V 

It  means — Satan  !  And  noAV  attend  to  what  is  going  on. 
Mr.  Sauter  has  stated  the  case,  and  now  Stringfellow,  the 
attorney  for  the  other  side,  is  Just  telling  the  judge  that  he 
stands  there  in  the  place  of  his  client,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Le  Noir,  who,  being  ordered  to  join  General  Taylor  in 
Mexico,  is  upon  the  eye  of  setting  out  and  cannot  be  here 
in  person. 

And  is  that  true  ?    Won't  he  be  here 

It  seems  not.  I  think  he  is  ashamed  to  appear  after 
what  has  happened,  and  just  takes  adyantage  of  a  fair  excuse 
to  absent  himself. 

And  is  he  really  going  to  Mexico  ?^ 


410 


CAP  BESTS  ON  HER  LAURELS. 


Oh. J  yes.  I  saw  it  officially  announced  in  this  morn- 
ing^s  papers.  And,  by-the-by,  I  am  very  much  afraid  he  is 
to  take  command  of  our  regiment  and  be  my  superior 
officer  \" 

"  Oh,  Herbert,  I  hope  and  pray  not !  I  think  there  is 
wickedness  enough  packed  up  in  that  man's  body  to  sink  a 
squadron  or  lose  an  army  V 

"  Well,  Cap,  such  things  will  happen.  Attention ! 
There's  Sauter  ready  to  call  his  witnesses."  And,  in  truth, 
the  next  moment  Capitola  Black  was  called  to  the  stand. 

Cap  took  her  place  and  gave  her  evidence  con  amove,  and 
with  such  vim  and  such  expressions  of  indignation,  that 
Stringfellow  reminded  her  she  was  there  to  give  testimony, 
and  not  to  plead  the  cause. 

Cap  rejoined  that  she  was  perfectly  willing  to  do  loth  ! 
And  so  she  continued  not  only  to  tell  the  facts,  but  to  express 
her  opinions  as  to  the  motives  of  Le  Noir,  and  give  her  Judg- 
ment us  to  what  should  be  the  decision  of  the  court. 

Stringfellow,  the  attorney  for  Colonel  Le  !N"oir,  evidently 
thought  that  in  this  rash,  reckless,  spirited  witness,  he  had 
a  fine  subject  for  sarcastic  cross-examination  !  But  he 
reckoned  without  his  host."  He  did  not  know  Cap  !  He 
too,  '^caught  a  Tartar."  And  before  the  cross-examination 
was  concluded,  Capitola  s  apt  and  cutting  replies  had  over- 
whelmed him  with  ridicule  and  confusion,  and  done  more 
for  the  cause  of  her  friend  than  all  her  partisans  put  to- 
gether ! 

Other  witnesses  were  called  to  corroborate  the  testimony 
of  Capitola,  and  still  others  were  examined  to  prove  the  last 
expressed  wishes  of  the  late  "William  Day,  in  regard  to  the 
disposal  of  his  daughter's  person  during  the  period  of  her 
minority. 

There  was  no  effective  rebutting  evidence,  and  after 
some  hard  arguing  by  the  attorneys  on  both  sides,  the  case 
was  closed,  and  the  judge  deferred  his  decision  until  the 
third  day  thereafter. 


CAP  RESTS  ON  HER  LAURELS. 


411 


The  parties  then  left  the  coui't  and  returned  to  their 
sevOTal  lodgings. 

Old  Hurricane  gave  no  one  a  ciyil  word  that  day. 
Wool  was  an  atrocious  villain,  an  incendiary  scoundrel,  a 
cut-throat,  and  a  black  demon.  Cap  was  a  beggar,  a  vag- 
abond, and  a  vixen.  Herbert  Greyson  was  another  beggar, 
besides  being  a  knave,  a  fop  and  an  impudent  puppy.  The 
inn-keeper  was  a  swindler,  the  waiters  thieves,  the  whole 
world  was  going  to  ruin,  where  it  well  deserved  to  go,  and 
all  mankind  to  the  demon — as  he  hoped  and  trusted  they 
would  I 

And  all  this  tornado  of  passion  and  invective  arose  just 
because  he  had  unexpectedly  met  in  the  court-room  the 
patient  face  and  beseeching  eyes  of  a  woman,  married  and 
forsaken,  loved  and  lost,  long  ago  ! 

Was  it  strange  that  Herbert,  who  had  so  resented  his 
treatment  of  Marah  Rocke,  should  bear  all  his  fury,  injus- 
tice and  abuse  of  himself  and  others  with  such  compas- 
sionate forbearance  ?  But  he  not  only  forbore  to  resent 
his  own  affronts,  but  also  besought  Capitola  to  have 
patience  with  the  old  man's  temper,  and  apologized  to  the 
host,  by  saying  that  Major  Warfield  had  been  very  severely 
tried  that  day,  and  when  calmer,  would  be  the  first  to 
regret  the  violence  of  his  own  words. 

Marah  Rocke  returned  with  Clara  to  the  old  doctor's 
house.  She  was  more  patient,  silent  and  quiet  than  before. 
Her  face  was  a  little  paler,  her  eyes  softer,  and  her  tones 
lower — that  was  the  only  visible  effect  of  the  morning's 
unexpected  rencontre. 

The  next  day  but  one  all  the  parties  concerned  assem- 
bled at  the  court-house  to  hear  the  decision  of  the  judge. 
It  was  given  as  had  been  anticipated  in  the  favor  of  Clara 
Day,  who  was  permitted  in  accordance  with  her  father's 
approved  wishes,  to  reside  in  her  patrimonial  home,  under 
the  care  of  Mrs.  Marah  Rocke.  Colonel  Le  Noir  was  to 
remain  trustee  of  the  property,  with  directions  from  the 


412 


CAP  RESTS  ON  HER  LAURELS. 


court  immediately  to  pay  the  legacies  left  by  the  late  Doc- 
tor Day  to  Marah  Eocke  and  Traverse  Eocke,  and  also  to 
pay  to  Clara  Day,  in  quarterly  iiistalments,  from  the  rev- 
enue of  her  property,  an  annual  sum  of  money,  sufficient 
for  her  support. 

This  decision  filled  the  hearts  of  Clara  and  her  friends 
with  joy.  Forgetting  time  and  place,  she  threw  herself 
into  the  arms  of  Marah  Eocke  and  wept  with  delight.  All 
concerned  in  the  trial  then  sought  their  lodgings. 

Clara  and  Mrs.  Eocke  returned  to  the  cottage  to  make 
i:>reparations  for  removing  to  Willow  Heights. 

Doctor  Williams  went  to  the  agent  of  the  property  to 
require  him  to  give  up  the  keys,  which  he  did  without  hes- 
itation. 

Old  Hurricane  and  his  party  packed  up,  to  be  ready  for 
the  stage  to  take  them  to  Tip  Top  the  next  day. 

But  that  night  a  series  of  mysterious  events  were  said 
to  have  taken  place  at  the  deserted  house  at  Willow 
Heights,  that  filled  the  whole  community  with  superstitious 
wonder.  It  was  reported  by  numbers  of  gardeners  and 
farmers,  who  passed  that  road  on  their  way  to  early 
market,  that  a  perfect  witches'  sabbath  had  been  held  in 
that  empty  house  all  night !  Tliat  lights  had  appeared 
fl.itting  from  room  to  room  ;  that  strange,  wierd  faces  had 
looked  out  from  the  windows ;  and  wild  screams  had 
pierced  the  air  ! 

The  next  day  when  this  report  reached  the  ears  of  Clara, 
and  she  was  asked  by  Doctor  Williams  whether  she  would 
not  be  afraid  to  live  there,  she  laughed  gaily  and  bade  him 
try  her. 

Cap  who  had  come  over  to  take  leave  of  Clara,  joined 
her  in  her  merriment,  declared  that  she,  for  her  part,  doted 
on  ghosts  and  that  after  Herbert  Greyson's  departure,  she 
should  come  and  visit  Clara  and  help  her  to  entertain  the 
spectres. 


BLACK  DONALD. 


413 


Clara  replied  that  she  should  hold  her  to  her  promise. 
And  so  the  friends  kissed  and  separated. 

That  same  day  saw  several  removals. 

Clara  and  Mrs.  Rocke  took  up  their  abode  at  Willow 
Heights,  and  seized  an  hour  even  of  that  busy  time,  to 
write  to  Traverse  and  apprise  him  of  their  good  fortune. 

Old  Hurricane  and  his  party  set  out  for  their  home, 
where  they  arrived  before  nightfall. 

And  the  next  day  but  one  Herbert  Greyson  took  leave 
of  his  friends  and  departed  to  join  his  company  on  their 
road  to  glory. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

BLACK  DONALD. 

"  Feared,  shunned,  behed  ere  youth  had  lost  her  force, 

He  hated  men  too  much  to  feel  remorse. 
And  thought  the  vice  of  wrath  a  sacred  call, 
To  pay  the  injuries  of  some  on  all. 

"  There  was  a  laughing  devil  in  his  sneer, 
That  caused  emotions  both  of  rage  and  fear  ; 
And  where  his  frown  of  hatred  darkly  fell, 
Hope,  withering,  fled,  and  mercy  sighed  farewell  I" 

— Byron. 

Hekbeet  Greyson  had  been  correct  in  his  conjecture 
concerning  the  cause  of  Colonel  Le  Noir's  conduct  in  absent- 
ing himself  from  the  trial,  or  appearing  there  only  in  the 
person  of  his  attorney.  A  proud,  vain,  conceited  man,  full 
of  Joseph  Surfaceisms,  he  could  better  have  borne  to  be 
arraigned  upon  the  charge  of  murder  than  to  face  the  accusa- 
tion of  baseness  that  was  about  to  be  proved  wpon  him.  Be- 
ing reasonably  certain  as  to  what  was  likely  to  be  the  decision 


414 


BLACK  DONALD. 


of  the  Orphans^  Conrfc,  he  was  not  disappointed  in  hearing 
that  judgment  had  been  rendered  in  favor  of  his  ward  and 
her  friends.  His  one  great  disappointment  had  been  upon 
discovering  the  flight  of  Clara.  For  when  he  had  ascertained 
that  she  had  fled,  he  knew  that  all  was  lost — and  lost  through 
Oapitola — the  hated  girl  for  whose  destruction  he  had  now 
another  and  a  stronger  motive — revenge. 

In  this  mood  of  mind,  three  days  before  his  departure 
to  join  his  regiment,  he  sought  the  retreat  of  the  outlaw. 
He  chose  an  early  hour  of  the  evening  as  that  in  which  he 
should  be  most  likely  to  find  Black  Donald. 

It  was  about  eight  o^clock  when  he  wrapped  his  large 
cloak  around  his  tall  figure,  pulled  his  hat  low  over  his 
sinister  brows,  and  set  out  to  walk  alone  to  the  secret  cavern 
in  the  side  of  the  Demon's  Punch  Bowl. 

The  night  was  dark  and  the  path  dangerous  ;  but  his 
directions  had  been  careful,  so  that  when  he  reached  the 
brinkof  that  awful  abyss,  he  knew  precisely  where  to  begin 
his  descent  with  the  least  danger  of  being  percipitated  to 
the  bottom. 

And  by  taking  a  strong  hold  upon  the  stunted  saplings 
of  pine  and  cedar  that  grew  down  through  the  clefts  of  the 
ravine,  and  placing  his  feet  firmly  upon  the  points  of  pro- 
jecting rocks,  he  contrived  to  descend  the  inside  of  that 
horrible  abysm,  which  from  the  top  seemed  to  be  fraught 
with  certain  death  to  any  one  daring  enough  to  make  the 
attempt. 

"When  about  half  way  down  the  precipice  he  reached  the 
clump  of  cedar  bushes  growing  in  the  deep  cleft,  and  con- 
cealing the  liole  that  formed  the  entrance  to  the  cavern. 

Here  he  paused,  and  looking  through  the  entrance  into 
a  dark  and  apparently  fathomless  cavern,  he  gave  the 
peculiar  signal  whistle,  which  was  immediately  answered 
from  within  by  the  well-ki]own  voice  of  the  outlaw  chief, 
saying  : 

All  right,  my  Colonel.    Give  us  your  hand.    Be  care- 


BLACK  DONALD. 


415 


ful  now  ;  the  floor  of  this  cayern  is  several  feet  below  the 
opening.'"' 

Le  Xoir  extended  his  hand  into  the  darkness  within  and 
soon  felt  it  grasped  by  that  of  Black  Donald,  who,  mutter- 
ing :  ^'Slowly,  slowly,,  my  Colonel  I'^  succeeded  in  guiding 
him  down  the  utter  darkness  of  the  subterranean  descent 
until  they  stood  upon  the  firm  bottom  of  the  cavern. 

They  were  still  in  the  midst  of  a  blackness  that  might 
be  felt,  except  that  from  a  small  opening  in  the  side  of  the 
rock  a  light  gleamed.  Towards  this  second  opening  Black 
Donald  conducted  his  patron. 

And  stooping  and  ^^assing  before  him,  led  him  into  an 
inner  cavern,  well  lighted  and  rudely  fitted  up.  Upon  a 
large  natural  platform  of  rock,  occupying  the  centre  of  the 
space,  were  some  dozen  bottles  of  brandy  or  whiskey,  seve- 
ral loaves  of  bread  and  some  dried  venison.  Around  this 
rude  table,  seated  upon  fragments  of  rock,  lugged  thither 
for  the  purpose,  were  some  eight  or  ten  men  of  the  band, 
in  various  stages  of  intoxication.  Along  the  walls  were 
piles  of  bearskins,  some  of  which  served  as  couches  for  sis 
or  seven  men,  who  had  thrown  themselves  down  upon  them 
in  a  state  of  exhaustion  or  drunken  stupor. 

^^Come,  boys,  we  have  not  a  boundless  choice  of  apart- 
ments here,  and  I  want  to  talk  to  my  Colonel.  Suppose 
yon  take  your  liquor  and  bread  and  meat  into  the  outer 
cavern,  and  give  us  the  use  of  this  one  for  an  hour,'^  said 
the  outlaw. 

The  men  sullenly  obeyed  and  began  to  gather  up  the 
viands.  Demon  Dick  seized  one  of  the  lights  to  go  after 
them. 

Put  down  the  glim.  Satan  singe  your  skin  for  you  ! 
Do  you  want  to  bring  a  hue  and  cry  upon  us  ? — Don^t  you 
know  a  light  in  the  outer  cavern  can  be  seen  from  the  out- 
side ?"  roared  Black  Donald. 

Dick  sulkily  set  down  the  candle  and  followed  his  com- 
rades. 


416 


BLACK  DONALD. 


What  are  you  glummering  about  ?  confound  you  ! 
You  can  see  to  eat  and  drink  well  enough  and  find  your 
way  to  your  mouth  in  the  dark,  you  brute  \"  thundered  the 
captain. 

But  as  there  was  no  answer  to  this,  and  the  men  had 
•retreated  and  left  their  cliief  with  his  visitor  alone.  Black 
Donald  turned  to  Colonel  Le  Noir,  and  said  : 

^'Well,  my  patron,  what  great  matter  is  it  that  has 
caused  you  to  leave  the  company  of  fair  Clara  Day  for  our 
grim  society  ?" 

Ah,  then  it  a^opears  you  are  not  aware  that  Clara  Day 
has  fled  from  us  !  has  made  a  successful  appeal  to  the 
Orphans*  Court,  and  been  taken  out  of  our  hands  ?"  angrily 
replied  Colonel  Le  Noir. 

Whe-ew  !  My  Colonel,  I  think  I  could  have  managed 
that  matter  better.  I  think  if  I  had  had  that  girl  in  my 
power  as  you  had,  she  should  not  have  escaped  me  !" 

Bah  !  bah  !  bah  !  stop  boasting  since  it  was  through 
your  neglect — yours  !  yours  ! — that  I  lost  this  girl." 

Mine!"  exclaimed  Black  Donald,  in  astonishment. 

Aye,  yours  !  for  if  you  had  done  your  duty,  performed 
your  engagement,  kept  your  word,  and  delivered  me  from 
this  fatal  Capitola,  I  had  not  lost  my  ward,  nor  my  son  his 
wealthy  bride  V  exclaimed  Le  Noir,  angrily. 

Capitola  !  Capitola  again  !  What  on  earth  had  she  to 
do  with  the  loss  of  Clara  Day  V  cried  Black  Donald  in 
wonder. 

Everything  to  do  with  it,  sir  !  By  a  cunning  artifice 
she  delivered  Clara  from  our  power  ;  actually  set  her  free 
and  covered  her  flight  until  she  was  in  security 

That  girl  again  !  Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha  !  Ho-ho-ho-ho- 
ho  \"  laughed  and  roared  Black  Donald,  slapping  his 
knees. 

Le  Noir  ground  and  gnashed  his  teeth  in  rage,  mutter- 
ing hoarsely  : 

*^Yes  !  you  may  laugh,  confound  you,  since  it  is 


BLACK  DONALD. 


granted  those  who  win  to  do  so  !  you  may  laugh  !  for  you 
have  done  me  out  of  five  thousand  dollars^  and  what  on 
earth  have  3^011  performed  to  earn  it  T' 

Come^  come,  my  Colonel  !  fair  and  easy  !  I  don^t 
know  which  is  vulgarest,  to  betray  loss  of  temper  or  love  of 
money,  and  you  are  doing  both  !  However,  it  is  between 
friends  !  But  how  the  demon  did  that  girl,  that  capital 
Capitola,  get  Clara  off  from  right  under  your  eyes 

"  By  changing  clothes  with  her  !  confound  3^ou  !  I  will 
tell  you  all  about  it,^^  replied  Lo  Noir,  who  thereupon 
commenced  and  related  the  whole  stratagem  by  which 
Capitola  freed  Clara,  including  the  manner  in  which  she 
accompanied  them  to  the  church  and  revealed  herself  at 
the  altar. 

Black  Donald  threw  himself  back  and  roared  with 
laughter,  vigorously  slapping  his  knees  and  crying  : 

That  girl  !  that  capital  Capitola  !  I  would  not  sell 
my  prospect  of  possessing  her  for  double  your  bribe  \" 

'^Your  ^  prospect!^  Your  prospect  is  about  as  decep- 
tive as  a  fata  morgana  !  What  have  you  been  doing,  I 
ask  you  again,  towards  realizing  this  prospect,  and  earning 
the  money  you  have  already  received 

Fair  and  easy,  my  Colonel  I  Don't  let  temper  get  the 
better  of  justice  !  What  have  I  been  doing  towards  earn- 
ing the  money  you  have  already  paid  me  ! — In  the  first 
place,  I  lost  my  time  and  risked  my  liberty  watching 
around  Hurricane  Hall.  Then,  when  I  had  identiSed  the 
girl,  and  the  room  she  slept  in,  by  seeing  her.  at  her  win- 
dow, I  put  three  of  my  best  men  in  jeopardy  to  capture 
her  !  Then,  when  she,  the  witch  !  had  captured  them,  I 
sacrificed  all  my  good  looks,  transmogrifying  myself  into  a 
frightful  old  field  preacher,  and  went  to  the  camp-meeting 
to  watch,  among  other  things,  for  an  opportunity  of  carry- 
ing her  off  !  The  sorceress  ! — she  gave  me  no  such  oppor- 
tunity !  I  succeeded  in  nothing  except  in  fooling  the  wise- 
acres and  getting  admitted  to  the  prison  of  mj  comrades, 


BLACK  DONALD. 


wliom  I  furnislied  with  instruinents  by  which  they  made 
their  escape.  Since  that  time  we  have  had  to  lie  low — yes, 
literally — to  lie  loic — to  keep  out  of  sight,  to  burrow  under 
ground  !  in  a  word,  to  live  in  this  cavern  V 

'''And  since  which  you  have  abandoned  all  intention  t>f 
getting  the  girl  and  earning  the  five  thousand  dollars/^ 
sneered  Le  Noir. 

"Earning  the  remaining  five  thousand,  you  mean, 
Colonel  !  The  first  five  thousand  I  consider  I  have  already 
earned.  It  was  the  last  five  thousand  that  I  was  to  get 
when  the  girl  should  be  disposed  of." 

''Well  r 

"  Well,  I  have  not  given  up,  either  the  intention  of 
earning  the  money,  or  the  hope  of  getting  the  girl ;  in 
truth,  I  had  rather  lose  the  money  than  the  girl.  I  have 
been  on  the  watch  almost  continually ;  but  thougli  I 
suppose  she  rides  out  frequently,  I  have  not  yet  happened 
to  hit  upon  her  in  any  of  her  excursions.  At  last,  liow- 
ever,  I  have  fixed  upon  a  plan  for  getting  the  witch  into 
my  power.  I  shall  trust  the  execution  of  that  plan  to  no 
one  but  myself/    But  I  must  have  time." 

"  Time  !  perdition,  sir  !  delay  in  this  matter  is  fraught 
with  danger  !  Listen,  sir  !  How  Warfield  got  possession 
of  this  girl,  or  the  knowledge  of  her  history  I  do  not  know, 
except  that  it  was  through  the  agency  of  that  accursed  iiag, 
Nancy  Grewell  ! — but  that  he  has  her,  and  that  he  knows 
all  about  her,  is  but  too  certain  !  That  he  has  not  at 
present  legal  proof  enough  to  establish  her  identity  and 
her  rights  before  a  court  of  justice,  I  infer  from  the  fact 
of  his  continuing  inactive  in  the  matter.  But  who  can 
foresee  how  soon  he  may  obtain  all  the  proof  that  is  neces- 
sary to  establish  Capitola's  claims,  and  wrest  the  whole  of 
this  property  from  me  ?  ho  can  tell  whether  he  is  not 
now  secretly  engaged  in  seeking  and  collecting  such  proof  ! 
— therefore,  I  repeat,  that  the  girl  must  immediately  be 


BLACK  DONALD. 


419 


got  rid  of — Donald  !  rid  me  of  that  creature  and  the  day 
that  you  prove  to  me  her  death,  I  will  double  your  fee  !" 

Agreed,  my  Colonel  rgreed.  I  have  no  objection  to  your 
doubling,  or  even  quadrUj^ling  my  fee  !  you  shall  find  nic  in 
that  as  in  all  other  matters,  perfectly  amenable  to  reason. 
Only  I  must  have  time.  Haste  would  rnin  us.  I  repeat 
that  I  have  a  plan  by  which  I  am  certain  to  get  the  girl 
into  my  possession.  A  plan,  the  execution  of  which  I  will 
intrust  to  no  other  hands  but  my  own.  But  I  conclude  as 
I  began — I  must  have  time  V 

And  how  much  time  exclaimed  Le  ISToir,  again  los- 
ing his  patience. 

'^Easy  my  patron.  That  I  cannot  tell  you.  It  is  im- 
prudent to  make  promises,  especially  to  you,  who  will  take 
nothing  into  consideration,  when  they  cannot  be  kept,^^ 
replied  Black  Donald,  coolly. 

*^  But,  sir,  clo  you  not  know  that  I  am  ordered  to  Mexico, 
and  must  leave  within  three  days  ! — I  would  see  the  end  of 
this  before  I  go     angrily  exclaimed  Le  ISToir. 

"  Softly,  softly,  my  child,  the  Colonel  ! — '  Slow  and 
sure  V    '  Fair  and  easy  goes  far  in  a  day  V  " 

In  a  word,  will  you  do  this  business  for  me,  and  do  it 
promptly 

"  Surely,  surely,  my  patron  !    But  I  insist  upon  time  !" 
But  I  go  to  Mexico  in  three  days  \" 
All  honor  go  with  3'ou  my  Colonel  !    "Who  would  keep 
his  friend  from  the  path  of  glory 

'^Pedition,  sir,  3'OU  trifle  with  me  V 

"Perdition,  certainly.  Colonel.  There  I  perfectly 
agree  with  you  ;  but  the  rest  of  your  sentence  is  v/rong  ;  I 
don^t  trifle  with  you  V 

"  What  in  the  fiend^s  name  do  5^ou  mean 

"Nothing  in  the  name  of  any  absent  friend  of  ours  !  I 
mean  simply  that  you  may  go  to — Mexico.'"' 

"  And — my  business  " 

 "  Can  be  done  Just  as  well,  perhaps  better,  without 


420 


BLACK  DONALD. 


you  !  Kecollect,  if  you  please^  my  Colonel,  that  when  you 
-were  absent  with  Harrison  in  the  West,  your  great  business 
was  done  here  without  you  /  And  done  better  for  that  very 
reason  !  No  one  ever  suspected  your  agency  in  that  mat- 
ter. The  person  most  benefited  by  the  death  of  Eugene  Le 
Noir  was  far  enough  from  the  scene  of  his  murder  !" 

Hush!  Perdition  seize  you  !  Why  do  you  speak  of 
things  so  long  past  \"  exclaimed  Le  ]N"oir,  growing  white  to 
his  very  lips. 

To  jog  your  worship^s  memory,  and  suggest  that  your 
honor  is  the  last  man  who  ought  to  complain  of  this  delay, 
since  it  will  be  very  Avell  for  you  to  be  in  a  distant  land, 
serving  your  country,  at  the  time  that  your  brother's  heir- 
ess, whose  property  you  illegally  hold,  is  got  out  of  your 
way.'' 

There  is  something  in  that,''  mused  Le  Noir. 

"  There  is  all  in  that  !" 

''You  have  a  good  brain,  Donald  !" 

"What  did  I  tell  you  ? — I  ought  to  have  been  in  the 
cabinet,  and  mean  to  be  too.  But  Colonel,  as  I  mean  to 
conclude  my  part  of  the  engagement,  I  should  like,  for  fear 
of  accidents,  that  you  conclude  yours — and  settle  with  me 
before  you  go." 

What  do  you  mean  ?" 

"  That  you  should  fork  over  to  me  the  remaining  five 
thousand." 

''  ril  see  you  at  the  demon  first,"  passionately  exclaimed 
Le  Noir. 

''No  you  won't;  for  in  that  case  you'd  have  to  make 
way  with  the  girl,  yourself  ;  or  see  Old  Hurricane  make 
way  with  all  your  fortune." 

"  Wretch,  that  you  are  I" 

"  Come,  come.  Colonel,  don't  let's  quarrel.  The  King- 
dom of  Satan  divided  against  itself  cannot  stand.  Do  not 
let  us  lose  time  by  falling  out.  /will  get  rid  of  the  girl  ! 
You,  before  you  go,  must  hand  over  the  tin,  lest  you  should 


GLORY  ! 


421 


fall  in  battle  and  your  heirs  dispute  the  debt.  Shell  out, 
my  Colonel.  Shell  out,  and  never  fear.  Capitok  shall  be 
a  wife  and  Black  Donald  a  widower,  before  many  weeks 
shall  pass.'' 

''^ril  do  it.  I  have  no  time  for  disputation,  as  you 
know  ;  and  you  profit  by  the  knowledge.  I'll  do  it,  though 
under  protest,''  muttered  Le  Xoir,  grinding  his  teeth, 

'^'That's  my  brave  and  generous  patron,"  said  Black 
Donald,  as  he  arose  to  attend  Le  Noir  from  the  cavern. 

That's  my  magnificent  Colonel  of  cavalry.  The  man 
who  runs  such  risks  for  you,  should  be  very  handsomely 
remunerated.'^ 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

GLOEY  I 

"  What  Alexander  sighed  for, 

What  Caesar's  soul  possessed, 
What  heroes,  saints  have  died  for, 
Glory  !" 

Withies'  three  days  after  this  settlement  with  Black 
Donald,  Colonel  Le  Js"oir  left  home  to  join  his  regiment, 
ordered  to  Mexico. 

He  was  accompained  by  his  son,  Cravern  Le  Xoir,  as  far 
as  Baltimore,  from  which  port  the  reinforcements  were  to 
sail  for  Xew  Orleans,  en  route  for  the  seat  of  war. 

Here,  at  the  last  moment,  when  the  vessel  was  about  to 
weigh  anchor.  Craven  Le  Xoir  took  leave  of  his  father  and 
set  out  for  the  Hidden  House. 

And  here  Colonel  Le  Xoir's  regiment  was  joined  by  the 
company  of  new  recruits,  in  which  Herbert  Grey  .-.on  held  a 
commission  as  lieutenant,  and  thus  the  young  man's  vrorst 


GLORY  ! 


forebodings  were  i^alized,  in  having  for  a  traveling  com- 
panion and  superior  officer,  the  man  of  whom  he  had  been 
destined  to  make  a  mortal  enemy,  Colonel  Le  !N"oir.  How- 
ever, Herbert  soon  marked  out  bis  course  of  conduct,  which 
was  to  avoid  Le  Noir  as  muoli  as  was  consistent  with  his  own 
official  duty,  and  when  compelled  to  meet  him,  to  deport 
himself  with  the  cold  ceremony  of  a  subordinate  to  a 
superior  officer. 

Le  ISToir,  on  his  part,  treated  Herbert  with  an  arrogant 
Bcorn  amounting  to  insult,  and  used  every  opportunity 
afforded  him  by  his  position  to  wound  and  humiliate  the 
young  lieutenant. 

After  a  quick  and  prosperous  voyage  they  reached  New 
Orleans,  where  they  expected  to  be  farther  reinforced  by  a 
company  of  volunteers  who  had  come  down  the  Mississippi 
river  from  St.  Louis.  These  volunteers  were  now  being 
daily  drilled  at  their  quarters  in  the  city,  and  were  only 
waiting  the  arrival  of  the  vessel  to  be  enrolled  iu  the  regi- 
ment. 

One  morning,  a  few  days  after  the  ship  reached  harbor, 
Herbert  Greyson  went  on  shore  to  the  military  rendezvous 
to  see  the  new  recruits  exercised.  While  he  stood  within 
the  enclosure  watching  their  evolutions  under  the  orders  of 
an  officer,  his  attention  became  concentrated  upon  the 
form  of  a  young  man  of  the  rank  and  file,  who  was  march- 
ing in  a  line  with  many  others  having  their  backs  turned 
towards  him.  That  form  and  gait  seemed  familiar — under 
the  circumstances  in  which  he  saw  them  again — painfully 
familiar.  And  yet  he  could  not  identify  the  man.  While 
he  gazed,  the  recruits,  at  the  word  of  command,  suddenly 
wheeled  and  faced  about.  And  Herbert  could  scarcely 
repress  an  exclauiation  of  astonishment  and  regret. 

That  young  man  in  the  dress-  of  a  private  soldier  was 
Clara  Day^s  betrothed,  the  widow^s  only  son.  Traverse 
Eocke  !  While  Herbert  continued  to  gaze  in  surprise  and 
grief,  the  young  recruit  raised  his  eyes,  recognized  liis 


OLOBT  I 


42S 


friend,  flushed  up  to  liis  very  temples,  and  cast  his  eyes 
down  again.  The  rapid  evolutions  soon  wheeled  them 
around,  and  the  next  order  sent  them  into  their  quarters. 

Herbert^s  time  w^as  also  up,  and  he  returned  to  his 
duty. 

The  next  day  Herbert  went  to  the  quarters  of  the  new 
recruits,  and  sought  oat  his  young  friend,  whom  he  found 
loitering  about  the  grounds.  Again  Traverse  blushed 
deeply  as  the  young  lieutenant  approached.  But  Herbert 
Greyson,  letting  none  of  his  regret  appear,  since  now  it 
would  be  worse  than  useless,  in  only  serving  to  give  pain 
to  the  young  private,  went  up  to  him  cordially  and  shook 
his  hands,  saying  : 

Going  to  serve  your  country,  eh,  Traverse  ?  Well,  I 
am  heartily  glad  to  see  you,  at  any  rate." 

But  heartily  sorry  to  see  me  here,  enlisted  as  a  pri- 
vate in  a  company  of  raw  recruits,  looking  not  unlike  Fal- 
staff's  ragged  regiment  ?" 

iSTay,  I  did  not  say  that,  Traverse.  Many  a  private  in 
the  ranks  has  risen  to  be  a  general  officer,"  replied  Her- 
bert, encouragingly. 

Traverse  laughed  good-humoredly,  saying  : 

It  does  not  look  much  like  that  in  my  case.  This 
dress, be  said,  looking  down  at  his  coarse,  ill-fitting  uni- 
form, cow-hide  shoos,  etc. — this  dress,  this  drilling,  these 
close  quarters,  ccarse  food,  and  mixed  company,  is  enough 
to  take  the  military  ardor  out  of  anyone." 

Traverse,  you  talk  like  a  dandy,  which  is  not  at  all 
your  character.    Effeminacy  is  not  your  vice." 

"  Xor  any  other  species  of  weakness,  do  you  mean  ? 
Ah,  Herbert !  your  aspiring,  hopeful,  confident  old  friend 
is  considerably  taken  down  in  his  ideas  of  himself,  his  suc- 
cess, and  life  in  general.  I  went  to  the  West  with  high 
hopes.  Six  months  of  struggling  against  indifference,  neg- 
lect, and  accumulating  debts,  lowered  them  down.  I  car- 
lied  out  letters  and  made  friends,  but  their  friendship  be- 


424 


GLORY  ! 


gan  and  ended  in  wishing  me  well.  While  trying  to  get 
into  profitable  practice  I  got  into  debt.  Meanwhile  1  could 
not  hear  from  my  betrothed  in  all  those  months.  An  occa- 
sional letter  from  her  might  have  prevented  this  step.  But 
troubles  gathered  around  me^  debts  increased,  and  " 

"  Creditors  were  crueL  It  is  the  old  story,  poor  boy 
Ko  ;  my  only  creditors  were  my  landlady  and  my 
laundress,  two  poor  widows  who  never  willingly  distressed 
me,  but  who  occasionally  asked  for  ^  that  little  amount '  so 
piteously,  that  my  heart  bled  to  lack  it  to  give  them.  And 
as  victuals  and  clean  shirts  were  absolute  necessaries  of  life, 
every  week  my  debts  increased.  I  could  have  faced  a  pros- 
perous male  creditor,  and  might,  perhaps,  have  been  pro- 
voked to  bully  such  an  one,  bad  be  been  inclined  to  be 
cruel  ;  but  I  could  not  face  poor  women,  who  after  all,  I 
believe,  are  generally  the  best  friends  a  struggling  young 
man  can  have  ;  and  so,  not  to  bore  a  smart  young  lieuten- 
ant with  a  poor  private's  antecedents  " 

Oh,  Traverse  

— I  will  even  make  an  end  of  my  story.  '  At  last  there 
came  a  weary  day  when  hope  and  faith  beneath  the  weight 
gave  way.^  And  hearing  that  a  company  of  volunteers  was 
being  raised  to  go  to  Mexico,  I  enlisted,  sold  my  citizen's 
wardrobe  and  my  little  medical  library,  paid  my  debts,  made 
my  two  friends,  the  poor  widows,  some  acceptable  presents, 
sent  the  small  remnant  of  the  money  to  my  mother,  telling 
her  that  I  was  going  farther  south  to  try  my  fortune,  and — 
here  I  am  !" 

You  did  not  tell  her  that  you  had  enlisted  ?" 

^^No.'' 

Oh,  Traverse  !  how  long  ago  was  it  that  you  left  St. 
Louis  r 

^'  Just  two  weeks.-" 

Ah  !  if  you  had  only  had  patience  for  a  few  dava 
longer !"  burst  unaware  from  Hebert  s  bosom.    In  an 


GLORY  ! 


425 


instant  he  was  sorry  for  having  spoken  thus,  for  Traverse, 
with  all  his  soul  in  his  eyes,  asked  eagerly  : 

i<  Wliy — why,  Herbert  ?    ^hat  do  you  mean 

"  Wliy,  you  should  know  that  I  did  not  come  direct 
from  West  Point,  but  from  the  neighborhood  of  Staunton 
and  Hurricane  Hall." 

^'^Did  you  ?  oh,  did  you  ?  .  Then  you  may  be  able  to 
give  me  news  of  Clara  and  my  dear  mother  exclaimed 
Traverse,  eagerly. 

Yes,  I  am—  pleasant  news,"  said  Herbert,  hesitating 
in  a  manner  in  which  no  one  ever  hesitated  before  in  com- 
municating good  tidings. 

Thank  Heaven  !  oh,  thank  Heaven  !  What  is  it, 
Herbert  ?  How  is  my  dear  mother  getting  on  ?  Where  is 
my  best  Clara  ?" 

They  are  both  living  together  at  Willow  Heights, 
according  to  the  wishes  of  the  late  Doctor  Day.  A  second 
appeal  to  the  Orphans'  Court,  made  in  behalf  of  Clara  by 
her  next  friend.  Doctor  Williams,  about  a  month  ago, 
proved  more  successful.  And  if  you  had  waited  a  few  days 
longer  before  enlisting  and  leaving  St.  Louis,  you  would 
have  received  a  letter  from  Clara  to  the  same  effect,  and 
one  from  Doctor  Williams,  apprising  you  that  your  mother 
had  received  her  legacy,  and  that  the  thousand  dollars  left 
you  by  Doctor  Day  had  been  paid  into  the  Agricultural 
Bank,  subject  to  your  orders." 

^'  Oh,  Heaven  !  had  I  but  waited  three  days  longer  !" 
exclaimed  Traverse,  in  such  acute  distress  that  Herbert 
hastened  to  console  him  by  saying  : 

Do  not  repine.  Traverse.  These  things  go  by  fate. 
It  was  your  destiny — let  us  hope  it  will  prove  a  glorious 
one." 

It  was  my  impatience  !"  exclaimed  Traverse.  It 
was  my  impatiei^ce  !  Doctor  Day  always  faithfully 
warned  me  against  it — always  told  mo  that  most  of 
the  errors,  sins  and  miseries  of  this  world  arose  from  sin;- 


426 


GLORY ! 


pie  impatience,  which  is  want  of  faith.  And  now  I  know 
it  !  and  now  I  know  it !  What  had  I,  who  had  an  honor- 
able profession,  to  do  with  Ijocoiiiiiig  a  private  soldier 

"  Well,  well,  it  is  honorable  at  least  to  serve  your  conn- 
try,"  said  Herbert,  soothingly. 

^^If  a  foreign  foe  invaded  her  shores,  yes  ;  but  what 
had  I  to  do  with  invading  another^s  country  ? — enlisting 
for  a  war  of  the  rights  and  wrongs  of  which  I  know  no 
more  than  anybody  else  does  !  Growing  inipatieiit  because 
fortune  did  not  at  once  empty  her  cornucopia  upon  my 
head  !    Oh,  fool !" 

You  blame  yourself  too  severely,  Traverse.  Your  act 
was  natural  enough  and  justifiable  enough,  much  as  it  is 
to  be  regretted,"'  said  Herbert,  cheerfully. 

Come,  come,  sit  on  this  plank  bench  beside  me — if 
you  are  not  ashamed  to  be  seen  with  a  private  who  is  also 
a  donkey — and  tell  me  all  about  it.  Show  me  the  full 
measure  of  the  happiness  I  have  so  recklessly  squandered 
away,"  exclaimed  Traverse,  desperately. 

I  will  sit  beside  you  and  tell  you  everything  you  Avish 
to  know, — on  condition  that  you  stop  berating  yourself  in 
a  manner  that  fills  me  with  indignation,"  replied  Herbert, 
as  they  went  to  a  distant  part  of  the  dusty  enclosure  and 
took  their  seats  upon  a  rude  bench. 

"  Oh,  Herbert,  bear  with  me ;  I  could  dash  my  wild, 
impatient  head  against  a  stone  wall !" 

"  That  would  not  be  likely  to  clear  or  strengthen  your 
brains,"  said  Herbert,  who  thereupon  commenced  and  told 
Traverse  the  whole  history  of  the  persecution  of  Clara  Day 
at  the  Hidden  House  ;  the  interception  of  her  letters  ;  the 
attempt  made  to  force  her  into  a  marriage  with  Craven  Lo 
Noir  ;  her  deliverance  from  her  enemies  by  the  address  and 
courage  of  Capitola  ;  her  flight  to  Staunton  and  refuge 
with  Mrs.  Rocke  ;  her  appeal  to  the  court ;  and  finally  her 
success  and  her  settlement  under  the  charge  of  her  matron- 
ly friend  at  Willow  Heights. 


GLORY  ! 


42? 


Traverse  had  not  listened  patiently  to  this  account. 
He  heard  it  with  many  bursts  of  irrepressible  indignation 
and  many  involuntary  starts  of  vrild  passion.  Towards  the 
last  he  sprang  up  and  down_,  chafiug  like  an  angry  lion  in 
his  cage. 

''And  this  man/'  he  exclaimed,  as  Herbert  concluded, 
— "  This  demon — this  beast — is  now  commandino^  officer  ! 
the  colonel  of  our  regiment 

''  Yes/'  replied  Herbert,  "  but  as  such  you  must  not 
call  him  names ;  military  rules  are  despotic  :  and  this  man 
who  knows  your  person  and  knows  you  to  be  the  betrothed 
of  Clara  Day,  whose  hand  and  fortune  he  covets  for  his  son 
will  leave  no  power,  with  which  his  command  invests  him, 
untried,  to  ruin  and  destroy  you  !  Traverse,  I  say  these 
things  to  you,  that  being  '  forewarned '  you  may  be  '  fore- 
armed.' I  trust  that  you  will  remember  your  mother  and 
your  betrothed,  and  for  their  dear  sakes  practice  every  tort 
of  self-control,  patience  and  forbearance  under  the  provo- 
cations you  may  receive  from  ottr  colonel.  And  in  advis- 
ing yoti  to  do  this,  I  only  counsel  that  which  I  shall  myself 
practice.  I,  too,  am  under  the  ban  of  Le  Xoir  for  the  part 
I  played  in  the  church  in  succoring  Capitola,  as  well  as  for 
happening  to  be  'the  nephew  of  my  uncle,'  ^fajor  TTarfield, 
who  is  his  mortal  enemy." 

"  I  ? — will  I  not  be  patient,  after  the  lesson  I  have  just 
learned  upon  the  evils  of  its  opposite  ?  Be  easy  on  my 
account,  dear  old  friend.  I  will  be  as  patient  as  Job,  meek 
as  Moses,  and  long  suifcring  as — my  own  sweet  mother  I*' 
said  Traverse,  earnestly. 

The  drum  was  now  heard  beating  to  quarters,  and 
Traverse,  wringing  his  friend's  hand,  left  him. 

Herbert  returned  to  his  ship  full  of  one  scheme,  of 
which  he  had  not  spoken  to  Traverse  lest  it  should  prove 
unsuccessfal.  This  scheme  was  to  procure  his  free  dis- 
charge before  they  should  set  sail  for  the  Eio  Grande.  He 
had  many  influential  friends  among  the  officers  of  his 


428 


^LORY  I 


regiment,  and  he  was  resolved  to  tell  them  as  much  as  was 
delicate,  proper  and  useful  for  them  to  know  of  the  young 
recruit's  private  history  in  order  to  get  their  co-operation. 

Herbert  spent  every  hour  of  this  day  and  the  next, 
when  off  duty,  in  this  service  of  his  friend.  He  found  his 
brother-oflScers  easily  interested,  sympathetic  and  propitious. 
They  united  their  efforts  with  his  own  to  procure  the  dis- 
charge of  the  young  recruit ;  but  in  vain  !  the  power  of 
Colonel  Le  ISToir  was  opposed  to  their  influence,  and  the 
application  was  peremptorily  refused. 

Herbert  Greyson  did  not  sit  down  quietly  under  this 
disappointment,  but  wrote  an  application,  embodying  all 
the  facts  of  the  case  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  got  it  signed 
by  all  the  ofiQcers  of  the  regiment  and  despatched  it  by  the 
first  mail. 

Simultaneously  he  took  another  important  step  for 
the  interest  of  his  friend.  Without  hinting  any  particular 
motive  he  had  begged  Traverse  to  let  him  have  his  photo- 
graph taken,  and  the  latter,  with  a  laugh,  at  the  lover-like 
proposal,  had  consented.  When  the  likeness  was  finished, 
Herbert  sent  it  by  express  to  Major  Warfield,  accompanied 
by  a  letter  describing  the  excellent  character  and  unfortu- 
nate condition  of  Traverse,  praying  the  Major's  interest  in 
his  behalf,  and  concluded  by  saying  : 

You  cannot  look  upon  the  accompanying  photograph 
of  my  friend  and  any  longer  disclaim  your  own  express  image 
in  your  son." 

How  this  affected  tUe  action  of  Old  Hurricane  will  be 
seen  hereafter. 

Traverse,  knowing  nothing  of  the  efforts  that  had  been, 
and  were  still  being  made  for  his  discharge,  suffered  neither 
disappointment  for  failure  of  the  first,  nor  anxiety  for  the 
issue  of  the  last. 

He  wrote  to  his  mother  and  Clara,  congratulating  them 
on  their  good  fortune  ;  telling  them  that  he,  in  common 
with  many  young  men  of  St.  Louis,  had  volunteered  for  the 


GLOKY  I 


429 


Mexican  War  ;  that  he  was  then  at  New  Orleans,  en  route 
for  the  Rio  Grande,  and  that  they  would  be  pleased  to  know 
til  at  their  mutual  friend,  Herbert  Greyson,  was  an  officer 
in  the  same  regiment  of  which  he  himself  was  at  present  a 
priyate,but  with  strong  hopes  of  soon  winning  his  epaulettes. 
He  endorsed  an  order  for  his  mother  to  draw  the  thousand 
dollars  left  him  by  Doctor  Day  ;  and  he  advised  her  to  re- 
deposit  the  sum  in  her  own  name,  for  her  own  use  in  case 
of  need.  Praying  God's  blessing  upon  them  all,  and  begging 
their  prayers  for  himself,  Traverse  concluded  his  letter, 
which  he  mailed  the  same  evening. 

And  the  next  morning  the  company  was  ordered  on 
board,  and  the  whole  expedition  set  sail  for  the  Rio  Grande. 

I^ow  we  might  just  as  easily  as  not  accompany  our  troops 
to  Mexico  and  relate  the  feats  of  arms  there  performed, 
with  the  minuteness  and  fidelity  of  an  eye-witness,  since  we 
have  sat  at  dinner  tables  where  the  heroes  of  that  war  have 
been  honored  guests,  and  where  we  have  heard  them  fight 
their  battles  over  till ' '  thrice  the  foe  was  slain,  and  thrice 
the  field  was  won." 

We  might  follow  the  rising  star  of  our  young  lieutenant, 
as  by  his  own  merits  and  other's  mishaps  he  ascended  from 
rank  to  rank,  through  all  the  grades  of  military  promotion, 
but  we  need  not,  because  the  feats  of  Lieutenant — Captain 
— Major  and  Colonel  Greyson,  are  they  not  written  in  the 
chronicles  of  the  Mexican  War  ? 

We  prefer  to  look  after  our  little  domestic  heroine,  our 
brave  little  Cap,  who,  when  women  have  their  rights,  shall 
be  a  lieutenant-colonel  herself.    Shall  she  not,  gentlemen  ? 

In  one  fortnight  from  this  time,  while  Mrs.  Rocke 
and  Clara  were  still  living  comfortably  at  Willow  Heights, 
and  waiting  anxiously  to  hear  from  Traverse,  whom  they 
still  supposed  to  be  practicing  his  profession  at  St.  Louis, 
they  recei^d  his  last  letter  written  on  the  eve  of  his  depart- 
ure for  the  seat  of  war.    At  first  the  news  overwhelmed 


430 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CEAVEN. 


tliem  with  grief,  but  then  tbey  sought  relief  in  faith, 
answered  his  letter  cheerfully,  and  commended  him  to  the 
infinite  mercy  of  God. 


CHAPTER  XLV. 

CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAVEK. 

"  He  knew  himself  a  villain,  but  he  deemed 
The  rest  no  better  than  the  thing  he  seemed: 
And  scorned  the  best  as  hypocrites  who  hid 
Those  deeds  the  bolder  spirits  plainly  did, 
He  knew  himself  detested,  but  he  knew 
The  hearts  that  loathed  him  crouched  and— dreaded  too." 

The  unregenerate  human  heart  is  perhaps  the  most 
inconsistent  thing  in  all  nature  ;  and  in  nothing  is  it  more 
capricious  than  in  the  manifestations  of  its  passions  ;  and 
in  no  passion  is  it  so  fantastic  as  in  that  which  it  miscalls 
love — but  which  is  really  often  only  appetite. 

From  the  earliest  days  of  manhood  Craven  Le  Noir 
had  been  the  votary  of  vice,  which  he  called  pleasure. 
Before  reaching  the  age  of  twenty-five  he  had  run  the  full 
course  of  di.^sipation,  and  found  himself  ruined  in  health, 
degraded  in  character,  and  disgusted  with  life. 

Yet  in  all  this  experience  his  heart  had  not  been  once 
agitated  with  a  single  emotion  that  deserved  the  name  of 
passion.    It  was  colder  than  the  coldest. 

He  had  not  loved  Clara ;  though,  for  the  sake  of  her 
money,  he  had  courted  her  so  assiduously.  Indeed,  for  the 
doctor^s  orphan  girl,  he  had  from  the  first,  conceived  a 
strong  antipatliy.  His  evil  spirit  had  shruitit:  from  her 
pure  soul  with  the  loathing  a  fiend  might  feel  for  an  angeL 


CAP  CAPTITATZ3  A  CEATE^T. 


431 


He  had  fouud  it  repugnant  and  diflScuU.  almost  to  tlie 
extent  of  impossibility,  for  him  to  pursue  the  courtship  to 
which  lie  ^as  only  reconciled  by  a  sense  of  dnty  to — his 
pocket. 

It  was  reserved  for  his  meeting  with  Capitola,  at  the 
altar  of  the  Forest  Chapel  to  fire  his  clammy  heart,  stag- 
nant blood,  and  sated  senses,  v^iih  the  very  first  passion 
that  he  had  ever  known.  Her  image,  as  she  stood  there  at 
the  altar  with  fiashins:  eves,  and  fiamins:  cheeks,  an  J  soath- 
ing  tongue,  defying  him,  was  ever  before  his  mind's  eye. 
There  was  something  about  that  girl  so  spirited,  so 
piquant  and  original,  that  she  impressed  even  his  apathetic 
nature  as  no  other  woman  had  ever  been  able  to  do.  But* 
what  most  of  all,  attracted  him  to  Capitola  v,-as  her  dialle- 
rie  !  He  longed  to  catch  that  little  savage  to  li:s  bosom  and 
have  her  at  his  mercy.  The  aversion  she  had  exhibited 
towards  him  only  stimulated  his  passion. 

Craven  Le  Xoir,  among  his  other  graces,  was  gifted 
with  inordinate  vanity.  He  did  not  in  the  least  degree 
despair  of  overcoming  all  C  dislike  to  his  person, 

and  inspiring  her  with  a  pass:;  :.  :  :.;::J  to  his  own. 

He  knew  well  that  he  dared  Lot  present  himself  at 
Hurricane  Hail,  but  he  resolved  to  waylay  her  in  her  rides, 
and  there  to  press  his  suit.  To  this  he  was  urged  by 
another  motive  almost  as  strong  as  love — namely,  avarice. 

He  had  gathered  thus  much  fi'om  his  father — that  Caj^- 
itola  Black  was  supposed  to  be  Capitola  Le  Xoir,  the  right- 
ful heiress  of  all  that  vast  propeny  in  land,  houses,  iron 
and  coal  mines,  foundries  and  furnaces,  railway  shares, 
&c.,  and  bank  stocks,  from  which  his  father  drew  the 
princely  revenue  that  supported  them  both  in  their  lavish 
extravagance  of  living. 

As  the  heiress,  or  rather  the  rightful  owner,  of  all  this 
vast  fortune,  Capitola  was  a  much  greater  catch than 
poor  Clara  with  her  modest  estate  had  been.  And  Mr. 
Craven  Le  Xoir  was  quite  willing  to  turn  the  tables  on  his 


432 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CEAVEN. 


fatlier  by  running  off  with  the  great  heiress,  and  stej)  from 
his  irksome  2:)osition  of  dependent  upon  Colonel  Le  Noir's 
often  ungracious  bount}^  to  that  of  the  husband  of  the  heiress 
and  the  master  of  the  projDortj.  Added  to  tliat  was  another 
favorable  circumstance,  namely,  whereas  he  had  had  a  strong 
personal  antipathy  to  Clara,  he  had  as  strong  an  attraction 
to  Capitola,  which  would  make  his  course  of  courtsliip  all 
the  pleasanter. 

In  one  word,  he  resolved  to  woo,  win,  and  elope  with,  or 
forcibly  abduct,  Capitola  Le  Noir,  marry  her,  and  then  turn 
upon  his  father  and  claim  the  fortune  in  right  of  his  wife. 
The  absence  of  Colonel  Le  ISToir  in  Mexico  fa^'ored  his  pro* 
jects,  as  he  could  not  fear  interruption. 

Meanwhile  our  little  madcap  remained  quite  unconscious 
of  the  honors  designed  her.  She  had  cried  every  clay  of  the 
first  week  of  Herbert's  absence  ;  every  alternate  day  of  the 
second  ;  twice  in  the  third  ;  once  in  the  fourth  ;  not  at  all 
in  the  fifth,  and  the  sixth  week  she  was  quite  herself  again, 
as  full  of  fun  and  frolic  and  as  ready  for  any  mischief  or 
deviltry  that  might  turn  up. 

She  resumed  her  rides,  no  longer  followed  by  Wool, 
whom  Old  Hurricane,  partly  upon  account  of  his  misadven- 
ture in  having  had  the  misfortune  inadvertently  to  lose 
sight  of  "  his  mistress  upon  that  memorable  occasion  of  the 
metamorphosis  of  Cap  into  Clara,  and  partly  because  in  the 
distant  absence  of  Le  ISToir,  Old  Hurricane  did  not  consider 
his  favorite  in  danger. 

He  little  knew  that  a  subtle  and  unscrupulous  agent 
had  been  left  sworn  to  her  destruction,  and  that  another 
individual,  almost  equally  dangerous,  had  registered  a 
secret  vow  to  run  off  with  her. 

Neither  did  poor  Cap,  when  rejoicing  to  be  free  from 
the  dogging  attendance  of  Wool,  imagine  the  perils  to 
which  she  was  exposed,  nor  is  it  even  likely  that  if  she  had 
she  would  have  cared  for  them  in  any  other  manner  than 
as  promising  piquant  adventures.    From  childhood  she 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAVEX. 


433 


had  been  inured  to  danger,  and  had  never  suffered  harm  ; 
therefore,  Cap,  like  the  Clievalier  Bayard^  was  ^'without 
fear  and  without  reproacln'* 

Craven  Le  Xoir  proceeded  cautiously  with  his  plans, 
knowing  that  there  was  time  enough_,  and  that  all  might 
be  lost  by  haste.    He  did  not  wish  to  alarm  Capitola. 

The  first  time  he  took  occasion  to  meet  her  in  her  rides, 
he  merely  bowed  deeply,  even  to  the  flaps  of  his  saddle, 
aad  with  a  melancholy  smile  passed  on. 

'•'Miserable  wretch,  he  is  a  mean  fellow  to  want  to 
marry  a  girl  against  her  will,  no  matter  how  much  he 
might  have  been  in  love  with  her ;  and  I  am  very  glad  I 
balked  him  !  Still,  he  looks  so  ill  and  unhappy  that — I 
camt  help  pitying  him  I'"'  said  Cap,  looking  compassionately 
at  his  white  cheeks  and  languishing  eyes,  and  little  know- 
ing that  the  illness  was  the  effect  of  dissipation,  and  that 
the  melancholy  was  assumed  for  the  occasion. 

A  fe\'/  days  after  this.  Cap  again  met  Craven  Le  jSToir, 
who  again,  with  a  deep  bow  and  sad  smile,  passed  her. 

"  Poor  fellow  I  he  richly  deserves  to  suffer,  and  I  hope 
it  may  make  him  better,  for  I  am  right  down  sorry  for 
him ;  it  must  be  so  dreadful  to  lose  one  we  love  I  but  it  was 
too  base  in  him  to  let  his  father  try  to  compel  her  to  have 
him  I  Suppose,  now,  Herbert  Greyson  was  to  take  a 
fancy  to  another  girl,  would  I  let  uncle  go  to  him  and  put 
a  pistol  to  his  head,  and  say,  '  Cap  is  fond  of  you,  you 
varlet  I  and  demmy,  sir  I  you  shall  marry  none  but  her,  or 
receive  an  ounce  of  lead  in  your  stupid  brains  I'  Xo,  I'd 
scorn  it  I  I'd  forward  the  other  wedding  I  I'd  make  the 
cake  and  dress  the  bride,  and— then  maybe  I'd  break — 
no,  Vm  blamed  if  I  would  I  I  I'd  not  break  my  heart  for 
anybody  I  Set  them  up  with  it,  indeed  I  Xeither  would 
my  dear,  darling,  sweet,  precious  Herbert  treat  me  so  I 
And  Fm  a  wretch  to  think  of  it !"  said  Cap,  with  a  rich, 
inimitable  unction,  as,  rejoicing  in  her  own  happy  love, 
she  cheered  Gyp  and  rode  on. 


4:84 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAVEN. 


Now  Craven  Le  Noir  had  been  conscious  of  the  relent- 
ing and  compassionate  looks  of  Capitola,  but  he  did  not 
know  that  they  were  only  the  pitying  regards  of  a  noble 
and  victorious  nature  over  a  vanquished  and  sufferiug  wrong- 
doer. However,  he  still  determined  to  be  cautious,  and 
not  ruin  his  prospects  by  precipitate  action,  but  to  *^  hasten 
slowly. 

So  the  next  time  he  met  Capitol  a  he  raised  his  eyes  with 
one  deep,  sad,  appealing  gaze  to  hers,  and  then  bowing 
profoundly,  passed  on. 

Poor  man  V'  said  Cap,  to  herself,  ''he  bears  no  mal- 
ice towards  me  for  depriving  him  of  his  sweetheart,  that's 
certain  !  And  badly  as  be  behaved,  I  suppose  it  was  all  for 
love ;  for  I  don't  know  how  any  one  could  live  in  the  same 
house  with  Clara  and  not  be  in  love  with  her.  I  should 
have  been  so  myself,  if  Fd  been  a  man,  I  know  I" 

The  next  time  Cap  met  Craven,  and  saw  again  that 
deep,  sorrowful,  appealing  gaze,  as  he  bowed  and  passed 
her,  she  glanced  after  him,  saying  to  herself  : 

''Poor  soul,  I  wonder  wliat  he  means  by  looking  at  me 
in  that  piteous  manner  ? — I  can  do  nothing  to  relieve  him. 
I'm  sure  if  I  could,  I  would.  '  But  the  way  of  trans- 
gressors is  hard,'  Mr.  Le  Noir,  and  he  who  sins  must  suf- 
fer !" 

For  about  three  weeks  their  seemingly  accidental  meet- 
ings continued  in  this  silent  manner,  so  slowly  did  Craven 
make  his  advances.  Then  feeling  more  confidence,  he 
made  a  considerably  long  step  forward. 

One  day,  when  he  guessed  that  Capitola  would  be  out, 
instead  of  meeting  her  as  heretofore,  he  put  himself  in  her 
road,  and  riding  slowly  toward  a  five-barred  gate,  allowed 
her  to  overtake  him. 

He  opened  the  gate,  and  bowing,  held  it  open  until  she 
had  passed. 

She  bowed  her  thanks  and  rode  on ;  but  presently, 
witho  it  the  least  appearance  of  intruding — since  she  had 


\ 


CA.P  CAPTIVATES  A  CPvAVEN. 


435 


oYeit'dkt'R  Jiim — lie  was  at  her  side; — and  speakiug  "witli 
downcast  ejes  and  defereniial  manner,  lie  said  : 

I  have  long  de.sirod  an  opportunity  to  exj^ressthe  deep 
sorrow  and  mortification  I  feel^  for  having  been  hurried  into 
rudeness  towards  an  estiiiiable  young  lady  at  the  Forest 
Chapel.  ^liss  Black,  will  you  permit  me  now  to  assure  you 
of  my  profound  repentance  of  that  act,  and  to  implore  your 
pardon.'* 

Oh,  /  have  nothing  against  you,  Mr.  Le  Xoir.    It  was 

not  I  whom  you  were  intending  to  marry  against  my  will  I 
and  as  for  what  you  said  and  did  to  me,  ha-ha  !  I  had 
provoked  it,  you  know,  and  I  also  afterwards  paid  it  in 
kind  I  It  was  a  fair  fight,  in  which  I  was  victor  ;  and 
victors  should  never  be  vindictive  said  Cap,  hiughing, 
for  though  knowing  him  to  have  been  violent  and  unjust, 
she  did  not  suspect  him  of  being  treacherous  and  deceitful, 
or  imagine  the  base  designs  concealed  beneath  his  plausible 
manner.  Her  brave,  honest  nature  could  under::tand  a 
brute  and  a  despot,  but  not  a  traitor. 

Then  like  frank  enemies  who  have  fought  their  fight 
out,  yet  bear  no  malice  towards  each  other,  we  may  shake 
hands  and  be  friends,  I  hope  V  said  Craven,  replying  in  the 
same  spirit  in  which  she  had  spoken. 

Well,  I  don't  know  about  that,  Mr.  Le  Xoir  !  Friend- 
ship is  a  very  sacred  thiug,  and  it's  name  should  not  be 
lightly  taken  on  our  tongues.  I  hope  you  will  excuse  me  if 
I  decline  your  proffer/'^  said  Caji — who  had  a  well  of  deep, 
true,  earnest  feeling  beneath  her  effervescent  surface. 

TThat  I  you  will  not  even  grant  a  repentant  man  your 
friendshi|).  Miss  Black  ?"  asked  Craven,  with  a  sorrowful 
smile. 

'^I  wish  you  well,  Mr.  Le  Xoir.  I  wish  you  a  good  and 
therefore  a  licqjpy  liie but  I  cannot  give  you  friendship, 
for  that  means  a  great  deal." 

Ob,  I  see  how  it  is  !  You  cannot  give  your  friendship 
where  jou  cannot  give  your  esteem.    Is  it  not  so  T' 


436 


CAi*  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAVEN. 


Yes,"  said  Capitola,  that' is  it ;  yet  I  wish  you  so 
well  that  I  wish  you  might  grow  worthy  of  higlier  esteem 
than  mine." 

"  You  are  thinking  of  my — yes,  I  will  not  shrink  from 
characterizing  that  conduct  as  it  deserves— my  unpardonable 
violence  towards  Clara.  Miss  Black,  I  have  mourned  that 
sin  from  the  day  that  I  was  hurried  into  it  until  this.  I 
have  bewailed  it  from  the  very  bottom  of  my  heart,"  said 
Craven,  earnestly  fixing  his  eyes  with  an  expression  of  per- 
fect truthfulness  upon  those  of  Capitol  a. 

'^I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  so,"  said  Cap. 
Miss  Black,  please  to  hear  this  in  palliation — I  will 
not  presume  to  say  in  defense  of  my  conduct ;  I  was  driven 
to  frenzy  by  a  passion  of  contending  love  and  jealousy,  as 
violent  and  maddening  as  it  Avas  unreal  and  transient.  But 
that  delusive  passion  has  subsided,  and  among  the  unmerited 
mercies  for  which  I  have  to  be  thankful  is  that,  in  my  frantic 
pursuit  of  Clara  Day,  I  was  not  cursed  with  success.  For 
all  the  violence  into  which  that  frenzy  drove  me  I  have 
deeply  repented.  I  can  never  forgive  myself,  but — cannot 
you  forgive  me  ?" 

''Mr.  Le  !N"oir,  I  have  nothing  for  which  to  forgive 
you.  I  am  glad  that  you  have  repented  towards  Clara,  and 
I  wish  you  well,  and  that  is  really  all  that  I  can  say." 

"I  have  deserved  this,  and  I  accept  it,"  said  Craven, 
in  a  tone  so  mournful  that  Caj)itola,  in  spite  of  all  her 
instincts,  could  not  choose  but  pity  him. 

He  rode  on,  with  his  pale  face,  downcast  eyes  and  mel- 
ancholy expression,  until  they  reached  a  point  at  the  back 
of  Hurricane  Hall  where  their  paths  diverged. 

Here  Craven,  lifting  his  hat  and  bowing  j^irofoundly, 
said,  in  a  sad  tone  : 

"  Good  evening,  Miss  Black  !" 

And  turning  his  horse's  head,  took  the  path  leading 
down  into  the  Hidden  Hollow. 

''  Poor  young  fellow  !  he  must  be  very  unhappy  down 


CAP  CAPTIYATES  A  CEAVEK. 


437 


iu  that  miserable  place  !  but  I  caii^t  hel-p  it  1  I  wisb  be 
would  go  to  Mexico  with  the  rest/'  said  Oap^,  as  she  pursued 
her  Tvay  homeward. 

lN"ot  to  excite  her  suspicion.  Craven  Le  Xoir  aToided 
meeting  Capitola  for  a  few  days,  and  then  threw  himself  in 
her  road,  and  as  before,  allowed  7ier  to  overtake  Jiim. 

Yery  subtilely  he  entered  into  conversation  with  her, 
and  guarding  every  word  and  look,  took  care  to  interest 
without  alarming  her.  He  said  no  more  of  friendship,  but 
a  great  deal  of  regret  for  wasted  years  and  wasted  talents 
in  the  past,  and  good  resolufions  for  the  future. 

And  Cap  listened  good  humoredly.  Capitola  being  of 
a  brave,  hard,  firm  nature,  had  not  the  sensitive  percep- 
tions, fine  intuitions,  and  true  insight  into  character  that 
distinguished  the  more  refined  nature  of  Clara  Day — or  at 
least,  she  had  not  these  delicate  faculties  in  the  same  per- 
fection. Thus  her  undefined  suspicions  of  Craven^s  sincer- 
ity were  overborne  by  a  soii:  of  noble  benevolence  which 
determined  her  to  think  the  best  of  him  which  circum- 
stances would  permit. 

Craven,  on  his  part,  having  had  more  experience,  was 
much  wiser  in  the  j^ursuit  of  his  object ;  he  had  also  the 
advantage  of  being  in  earnest ;  his  passion  for  Capitola  was 
sincere,  and  not,  as  it  had  been  in  the  case  of  Clara, 
simulated ;  he  believed,  therefore,  that  when  the  time 
should  be  ripe  for  the  declaration  of  his  love,  he  would 
have  a  much  better  prospect  of  success — especially  as 
Capitola,  in  her  ignorance  of  her  own  great  fortune,  must 
consider  his  proposal  the  very  climax  of  disinterestedness. 

After  three  more  weeks  of  riding  and  conversing  with 
Capitola,  he  had,  in  his  own  estimation,  advanced  so  far  in 
her  good  opinion  as  to  make  it  perfectly  safe  to  risk  a 
declaration.  And  this  he  determined  to  do  upon  the  very 
first  opportunity. 

Chance  favored  him. 

One  afternoon  Capitola,  riding  through  the  pleasant 


438 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAYEN. 


woods  skirting  the  back  of  the  mountain  range  tliat 
sheltered  Harricane  Hall,  got  a  fall,  for  wliicli  she  was 
afterward  inclined  well  to  cuff  Wool. 

It  happened  in  this  way  :  she  had  come  to  a  steep  rise 
in  the  road,  and  urged  her  pony  into  a  hard  gallop,  intend- 
ing, as  she  said  to  herself,  to  storm  the  height,'^  when 
suddenly,  under  the  violent  strain,  the  girth,  ill-fastened, 
flew  apart,  and  Miss  Cap  was  on  the  ground,  buried  under 
the  fallen  saddle. 

With  many  a  blessing  upon  the  carelessness  of  the 
grooms,  Cap  picked  herself  up,  put  the  saddle  on  the  horse 
and  was  engaged  in  drawdng  under  the  girth  v/hen  Craven 
Le  Noir  rode  up,  sprang  from  his  horse,  and  with  anxiety 
depicted  on  his  countenance,  ran  to  the  spot  inquiring  : 

What  is  the  matter  ? — No  serious  accident,  I  hope  and 
trust.  Miss  Black  r 

No ;  those  wretches  in  uncle^s  stable  did  not  half  buckle 
the  girth,  and  as  I  was  going  in  a  hard  gallop  up  the  steep, 
it  flew  apart  and  gave  me  a  tumble,  that's  all  V  said  Cap, 
desisting  a  moment  from  her  occupation  to  take  breath. 

You  were  not  hurt  inquired  Craven,  with  deep 
interest  in  his  tone. 

Oh,  no  ! — there  was  no  harm  done  except  to  my  riding 
skirt,  which  has  been  torn  and  muddled  by  the  fall,''  said 
Cap,  laughing,  and  resuming  her  efforts  to  tighten  the  girth. 

"Pray  permit  me,"  said  Craven,  gently  taking  the  end 
of  the  strap  from  her  hand  ;  "this  is  no  work  for  a  lady, 
and  is  besides  beyond  your  strength. 

Capitola  thanking  him,  withdrew  to  the  side  of  the  road 
jind  seating  herself  upon  the  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree,  began 
to  brush  the  dirt  from  her  habit. 

Craven  adjusted  and  secured  the  saddle  with  great  care, 
patted  and  soothed  the  pony,  and  then  ajDproaching  Capi- 
tola in  the  most  deferential  manner,  stood  before  her  and 
Sciid  : 

"  Miss  Black,  you  will  pardon  me,  I  hope^  if  I  tell  you 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAVEN. 


439 


that  the  peril  I  had  imagined  yon  to  be  in,  has  so  agitated 
my  mind  as  to  make  it  impossible  for  me  longer  to  with- 
hold a  declaration  of  my  sentiments here  his  voice  that 
had  trembled  throughout  this  disclosure  now  really  and 
utterly  failed  him.  s, 

Capitola  looked  up  with  surprise  and  interest ;  she  had  / 
never  in  her  life  before  heard  an  explicit  declaration  of  love  / 
from  anybody.    She  and  Herbert  somehow  had  always  / 
understood  each  other  very  well;,  without  ever  a  w^ord  of  i 
technical  love-making  passing  between  them  ;  so  Capitola 
did  not  exactly  know  what  was  coming  next. 

Craven  recovered  his  voice  ;  and  encouraged  by  the  fav- 
orable manner  in  which  she  appeared  to  listen  to  him,  actu- 
ally threw  himself  at  her  feet  and  seizing  one  of  her  hands, 
wdth  much  ardor  and  earnestness  and  much  more  eloquence 
than  any  one  would  have  credited  him  with,  poured  forth 
the  history  of  his  passion  and  his  hopes. 

"  Well,  I  declare  V  said  Cap,  when  he  had  finished  his  ' 
speech  and  was  waiting  in  breathless  impatience  for  her 
answer,  this  is  w^hat  is  called  a  declaration  of  love  and  a 
proposal  for  marriage,  is  it  ? — It  is  downright  sentimental, 
I  suppose,  if  I  had  only  the  sense  to  appreciate  it  !  It  is  as 
good  as  a  play  !  pity  it  is  lost  upon  me 

Cruel  girl !  how  you  mock  me  I"  cried  Craven,  rising 
from  his  knees  and  sitting  beside  her. 

No,  I  don't !    Fm  in  solemn  earnest !  I  say  it  is  first 
rate  !  do  it  again  !    I  like  it 

Sarcastic  and  merciless  one,  you  glory  in  the  pain  you 
give  !  But  if  you  wish  again  to  hear  me  say  I  love  you,  I 
will  say  it  a  dozen — yes,  a  hundred  times  over  if  you  will 
only  admit  that  you  could  love  me  a  little  in  return  V' 

'^'Don^t!  that  would  be  too  tiresome!  Two  or  three 
times  is  quite  enough  !  Besides,  what  earthly  good  could 
my  saying  ^  I  love  you/  do  ?" 

I  might  persuade  you  to  become  the  wife  of  one  who 
will  adore  you  to  the  last  hour  of  his  life  I^^ 


440 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CEAVEN. 


Meaning  you  /" 
"  Meaning  me,  the  most  devoted  of  your  admirers  V' 
^'  That  isn^t  saying  much;,  since  I  haven^t  got  any  but 

you 

Thank  fortune  for  it!  Then  f  am  to  understand, 
charming  Capitola,  that  at  least  your  hand  and  your  affec- 
tions are  free,'^  said  Craven,  joyfully. 

Well,  now,  I  don^t  know  about  that.  Keally,  I  can't 
positively  say  !  but  it  strikes  me,  if  I  were  to  get  married 
to  anybody  else,  there's  somebody  would  feel  queerish  !" 

"  No  doubt  there  arc  many  whose  secret  hopes  would  be 
blasted,  for  so  charming  a  girl  could  not  have  passed 
through  this  world  without  having  won  many  hearts,  who 
would  keenly  feel  the  loss  of  hope,  in  her  marriage  !  But 
what  if  they  do,  my  enchanting  Capitola  ?  You  are  not 
responsible  for  any  one  having  formed  such  hopes  V 

Fudge  \"  said  Cap.  /'m  no  belle  !  never  was  !  never 
can  be  !  have  neither  wealth,  beauty,  nor  coquetry  enough 
to  make  me  one  !  Fve  no  lovers  or  admirers  to  break  their 
hearts  about  me,  one  way  or  another ;  but  there  is  one  hon- 
est fellow — hem  !  never  mind  ;  I  feel  as  if  I  belonged  to 
somebody  else  ;  that's  all.  I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you, 
Mr.  Le  Noir,  for  your  preference,  and  even  for  the  beauti- 
ful way  in  which  you  have  expressed  it,  but — I  belong  to 
sojnebody  else." 

Miss  Black,''''  said  Craven,  somewhat  abashed  but  not 
discouraged,  '^I  think  I  understand  you  !  I  presume  that 
you  refer  to  the  young  man  who  was  your  gallant  champion 
in  the  Forest  Chapel.''' 

The  one  that  made  your  nose  bleed  !"  said  the  incor- 
rigible Cap. 

''  Well,  Miss  Black,  from  your  words  it  appears  that 
this  is  by  no  means  an  acknowledged,  but  only  an  under-j 
stood  engagement,  which  cannot  be  binding  upon  either 
party  !    Now  a  young  lady  of  your  acknowledged  good 
sense  


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CEAVEN. 


44:1 


I  nevei'  had  any  more  good  sense  than  I  have  had 
admirers/^  interrupted  Cap. 
^    Craven  smiled. 

would  not  hear  your  enemy  say  that, he  replied, 
then  resuming  his  argument  he  said  : 

*^'You  will  really  understand.  Miss  Black,  that  the 
vague  engagement  of  which  you  speak,  where  there  is  want 
of  fortune  on  hoth  sides,  is  no  more  prudent  than  it  is  bind- 
ing. On  the  contrary,  the  position  which  it  is  my  pride  to 
offer  you,  is  considered  an  enviable  one,  even  apart  from 
the  devoted  love  that  goes  with  it.  You  are  aware  that  I 
am  the  sole  heir  of  the  Hidden  House  estate,  which  with 
all  its  dependencies  is  considered  the  largest  proprietary, 
as  my  wife  would  be  the  most  important  lady  in  the  coun- 
ty." 

Cap's  lip  curled  a  little ;  looking  askance  at  him,  she 
answered : 

I  really  am  very  much  obliged  to  you,  Mr.  Le  Noir, 
for  the  distinguished  honor  that  you  designed  for  me.  I 
should  highly  appreciate  the  magnanimity  of  a  young 
gentleman,  the  heir  of  the  wealthiest  estate  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, who  deigns  to  propose  marriage  to  the  little  beg- 
gar that  I  acknowledge  myself  to  be.  I  regret  to  be  obliged 
to  refuse  such  dignities,  but — I  belong  to  another  said 
Capitola,  rising  and  advancing  towards  her  horse. 

Craven  would  not  risk  his  success  by  pushing  his  suit 
farther  at  this  sitting. 

Very  respectfully  lending  his  assistance  to  put  Capitola 
into  her  saddle,  he  said  he  hoped  at  some  futur^,  and  more 
propitious  time,  to  resume  the  subject.  And  then  with  a 
deep  bow  he  left  her,  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  on  his 
way. 

He  did  not  believe  that  Capitola  was  more  than  half  in 
earnest,  or  that  any  girl  in  Capitola^s  circumstances  would 
do  such  a  mad  thing  as  to  refuse  the  position  he  offered 
lier. 


449 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CRAVEN. 


He  did  not  throw  himself  iu  her  way  often  enough  to 
excite  her  suspicion  that  their  meetings  were  preconcerted 
on  his  part,  and  even  when  he  did  overtake  her  or  suffer 
her  to  overtake  him,  he  avoided  giving  her  offense  by  press- 
ing his  suit  until  another  good  opportunity  should  offer. 
This  was  not  long  in  coming. 

One  afternoon  he  overtook  her  and  rode  by  her  side  for 
a  short  distance  when  finding  her  in  unusually  good  spirits 
and  temper,  he  again  renewed  his  declaration  of  love  and 
offer  of  marriage. 

Cap  turned  around  in  her  saddle  and  looked  at  him 
with  astonishment  for  a  full  minute  before  she  exclaimed  : 
Why,  Mr.  Le  Noir,  I  gave  you  an  answer  more  than  a 
week  ago.  Didn^t  I  tell  you  '  710 '  f  What  on  earth  do  you 
mean  by  repeating  the  question 

"  I  mean,  bewitching  Capitola,  not  to  let  such  a  treasure 
slii3  out  of  my  grasp  if  I  can  help  it 

"  I  never  was  in  your  grasp  that  I  know  of  V  said  Cap, 
whipping  up  her  horse  and  leaving  him  far  behind. 

Days  passed  before  Craven  thought  it  prudent  again  to 
renew  and  press  his  suit.  He  did  so  upon  a  fine  September 
morning,  wiien  he  overtook  her  riding  along  the  banks  of 
the  river.  He  joined  her,  and  in  the  most  deprecating 
manner  besought  her  to  listen  to  him  once  more.  Then  he 
commenced  in  a  strain  of  the  most  impassioned  eloquence 
and  urged  his  love  and  his  proposal. 

Capitola  stopped  her  horse,  wheeled  around  and  faced 
him,  looking  him  full  in  the  eyes,  while  she  said  : 

'^Upon  my  word,  Mr.  Le  Noir,  you  remind  me  of  an 
anecdote  told  of  young  Sheridan.  When  his  father  advised 
him  to  take  a  wife  and  settle,  he  replied  by  asking  loliose 
wife  be  should  take  !  Will  nobody  serve  your  purpose,  but 
somebody  else^s  sweetheart  ? — I  have  told  you  that  I  belong 
to  a  brave  young  soldier  who  is  fighting  his  country's  bat- 
tles in  a  foreign  land,  while  you  are  lazing  here  at  home, 
trying  to  undermine  him  '    I  am  ashamed  of  you,  sir  !  and 


CAP  CAPTIVATES  A  CEAVEN.  443 

ashamed  of  myself  for  talking  with  you  so  many  times  ! 
Never  do  you  presume  to  accost  me  on  the  highwa}^,  or 
anywhere  else,  again  !  Craven  by  name  and  craven  by 
nature,  you  have  once  already  felt  the  weight  of  Herbert^s 
arm.  Do  not  provoke  its  second  descent  upon  you  !  You 
are  warned  I"  and  with  that  Oapitola,  with  her  lips  curled, 
her  eyes  flashing  and  her  cheeks  burning,  put  whip  to  her 
pony  and  galloped  away. 

Craven  Le  Noir's  thin,  white  face  grew  perfectly  livid 
with  passion. 

I  will  have  her  yet !  I  have  sworn  it,  and  by  fair 
means  or  by  foul,  I  will  have  her  yet  V  he  exclaimed,  as  he 
relaxed  his  hold  upon  his  bridle  and  let  his  horse  go  on 
slowly,  while  he  sat  with  his  brows  gathered  over  his  thin 
nose,  his  long  chin  buried  in  his  neckcloth,  and  his  nails 
between  his  teeth,  gnawing  like  a  wild  beast,  as  was  his 
custom  when  deeply  cogitating. 

Presently  he  conceived  a  plan  so  diabolical  that  none 
but  Satan  himself  could  have  inspired  it !  This  vras  to  take 
advantage  of  his  acquaintance  and  casual  meetings  with 
Capitola,  so  to  malign  her  character,  as  to  make  it  un- 
likely that  any  honest  mciii  would  ever  risk  his  honor  by 
taking  her  to  wife  ;  that  thus  the  way  might  be  left  clear 
for  himself;  and  he  resolved  if  possible  to  effect  this  in 
such  a  manner — namely,  by  jests,  innuendoes,  and  sneers, 
that  it  shonld  never  be  directly  traced  to  a  positive  asser- 
tion on  his  part.  And  in  the  meantime  he  determined  so 
to  govern  himself  in  his  deportment  towards  Capitola  as  to 
arouse  no  suspicion,  give  no  offense  and  if  possible  win  back 
her  confidence. 

It  is  true  that  even  Craven  Le  Noir,  base  as  he  was,  shrank 
fiom  the  idea  of  smirching  the  reputation  of  the  woman  of 
whom  he  wished  to  make  a  wife  ;  but  then  he  said  to  him- 
self that  in  that  remote  neighborhood  the  scandal  would 
be  of  little  consequence  to  him  wlio  as  soon  as  he  should 
be  married,  would  claim  the  estate  of  the  Hidden  House  in 


444 


gap's  kaqe. 


right  of  his  wife,  put  it  in  charge  of  an  ovetseor,  aud^then 
with  his  bride  start  for  Paris,  the  paradise  of  the  epicarean, 
where  lie  designed  to  fix  their  principal  residence. 

Craven  Le  Noir  was  so  pleasod  with  his  plan  that  he 
immediately  set  about  putting  it  in  execution.  Our  next 
chapter  will  show  how  he  succeeded. 


CHAPTER  XLVI. 
cap's  rage. 

"  Is  he  not  approved  to  the  height  of  a  villain,  who  hath  slan- 
dered, scorned,  dishonored  thy  kinswoman  I  Oh!  that  I  were  a 
man  for  his  sake,  or  had  a  friend  who  would  be  one  for  mine!" 

— Shakespeare. 

AuTUMiT  brought  the  usual  city  visitors  to  Hurricane 
Hall  to  spend  the  sporting  season  and  shoot  over  Major 
Warfield^s  grounds.  Old  Hurricane  was  in  his  glory,  giv- 
ing dinners  and  projecting  hunts. 

Capitola  also  enjoyed  herself  rarely,  enacting  with  much 
satisfaction  to  herself  and  guests  her  new  role  of  hostess, 
and  not  unfrequently  joining  her  uncle  and  his  friends  in 
their  field  sports. 

Among  the  guests  there  were  two  who  deserve  particu- 
lar attention,  not  only  because  they  had  been  for  many 
years  annual  visitors  of  Hurricane  Hall,  but  more  espe- 
cially because  there  had  grown  up  between  them  and  our 
little  madcap  heroine  a  strong  mutual  confidence  and 
friendship.  Yet  no  three  persons  could  possibly  be  more 
unlike  than  Capitola  and  the  two  cousins  of  her  soul,  as 
she  called  these  two  friends.  They  were  both  distant  rela- 
tives of  Major  Warfie.ld,  and  in  right  of  this  relationship 
invariably  addressed  Capitola  as    Cousin  Cap/' 


GAP  S  RAGE. 


445 


John  Stone,  the  elder  of  the  two,  was  a  very  tall,  stout, 
squarely-built  young  man,  with  a  broad,  good-humored 
face,  fair  skin,  blue  eyes,  and  light  hair.  In  temperament 
he  was  rather  phlegmatic,  quiet  and  lazy.  In  character  he 
was  honest,  prudent  and  good-tempered.  In  circumstan- 
ces he  was  a  safe  banker,  with  a  notable  wife  and  two 
healthy  children.  The  one  thing  that  was  able  to  excite 
his  quiet  nerves  was  the  chase,  of  which  he  as  was  fond 
as  he  could  possibly  be  of  any  amusement.  The  one  per- 
son who  agreeably  stirred  his  rather  still  spirits  was  our 
little  Cap,  and  that  was  the  secret  of  his  friendship  fer 
her. 

Edwin  Percy,  the  other,  was  a  young  West  Indian,  tall 
and  delicately  formed,  with  a  clear  olive  complexion, 
languishing,  dark-hazel  eyes,  and  dark,  bright-chestnut  hair 
and  beard.  In  temperament  he  was  ardent  as  his  clime. 
In  character,  indolent,  careless  and  self-indulgent.  In 
condition  he  was  the  bachelor  heir  of  a  sugar  plantation  of 
a  thousand  acres.  He  loved  not  the  chase,  nor  any  other 
amusement  requiring  exertion.  He  doted  upon  swansdown 
sofas  with  springs,  French  plays,  cigars  and  chocolate.  He 
came  to  the  country  to  find  repose,  good  air,  and  an  appetite. 
He  was  the  victim  of  constitutional  ennui  that  yielded  to 
nothing  but  the  exhilaration  of  Capitola^s  company ;  that 
was  the  mystery  of  his  love  for  her,  and  doubtless  the  young 
Creole  would  have  proposed  for  Cap  had  he  not  thought  it 
too  much  trouble  to  get  married,  and  dreaded  theT)ustle  of 
a  bridal.  Certainly  Edwin  Percy  was  as  opposite  in  char- 
acter to  John  Stone  as  they  both  were  to  Capitola,  yet  great 
was  the  relative  attraction  among  the  three.  Cap  impartially 
divided  her  kind  offices  as  hostess  between  them. 

John  Stone  joined  Old  Hurricane  in  many  a  hard  day's 
hunt,  and  Capitola  was  often  of  the  party. 

Edwin  Percy  spent  many  hours  on  the  luxurious  lounge 
in  the  parlor,  where  Cap  was  careful  to  place  a  stand  with 
chocolate,  cigars,  wax  matches  and  his  favorite  books. 


cap's  rage. 


One  day  Cap  had  had  what  she  called  ^'  a  row  with  the 
governor,"  that  is  to  say,  a  slight  misunderstanding  with 
Major  Warfield  ;  a  very  nncom men  occusrence,  as  the  reader 
knows,  in  which  that  temperate  old  gentleman  had  so  freely 
bestowed  upon  his  niece  the  names  of  beggar,  foundling, 
brat,  vagabond  and  vagrant,"  that  Oapitola,  in  just  indig- 
nation, refused  to  join  the  birdiiig  party,  and  taking  her 
game-bag,  powder-flask,  shot-horn  and  fowling-piece,  and 
calling  her  favorite  pointer,  walked  off,  as  she  termed  it, 
''to  shoot  herself."  But  if  Oapitola^s  by  no  means  sweet 
temper  had  been  tried  that  morning,  it  was  destined  to  be 
still  more  severely  tested  before  the  day  was  over. 

Her  second  provocation  came  in  this  way  :  John  Stone, 
another  deserter  of  the  birding  party,  had  that  day  betaken 
himself  to  Tip  Top  upon  some  private  business  of  his  own. 
He  dined  at  the  Antlers  in  company  with  some  sporting 
gentlemen  of  the  neighborhood,  and  when  the  conversation 
naturally  turned  upon  field  sports,  Mr.  John  Stone  spoke 
of  the  fine  shooting  that  was  to  be  had  around  Hurricane 
Hall,  when  one  of  the  gentlemen,  looking  straight  across  the 
table  to  Mr.  Stone,  said  : 

"  Ahem  ! — that  pretty  little  huntress  of  Hurricane  Hall 
— that  niece,  or  ward,  or  mysterious  daughter  of  Old  Hurri- 
cane, who  engages  with  so  much  enthusiasm  in  your  field- 
sports  over  there,  is  a  girl  of  very  free  and  easy  manners, 
1  understand  ! — a  Diana  in  nothing  but  her  love  of  the 
chase  !" 

*'  Sir  !  it  is  a  base  calumny  !  and  the  man  who  endorses 
it  is  a  shameless  slanderer  !  There  is  my  card  !  I  may  be 
found  at  my  present  residence,  Hurricane  Hall,"  said  John 
Stone,  throwing  his  pasteboard  across  the  table,  and  rising 
to  leave  it. 

''  ISTay,  nay,"  said  the  stranger,  laughing  and  pushing 
the  card  away.  I  do  not  endorse  the  statement ;  I  know 
nothing  about  it.  I  wash  my  hands  of  it,"  said  the  young 
man.    And  then  upon  Mr.  Stone's  demanding  the  author 


CAF  g  EAQE. 


U1 


of  the  calumny,  be  gave  the  name  of  Mr.  Craven  Le  Noir, 
who,  he  said,  had  talked  in  his  cups'^  at  a  dinner  parly 
recently  given  hj  one  of  his  friends. 

'^^I  pronounce — publicly,  in  the  presence  of  all  these 
witnesses,  as  I  shall  presently  to  Craven  Le  Noir  himself — 
that  he  is  a  sbameless  miscreant,  who  has  basely  slandered 
a  noble  girl  !  You,  sir,  have  declined  to  endorse  those 
words  ;  henceforth  decline  to  repeat  them  !  For  after  this 
I  shall  call  to  a  severe  account  any  man  who  ventures,  by 
word,  gesture  or  glance,  to  hint  this  slander,  or  in  any  other 
way  deal  lightly  with  the  honorable  name  and  fame  of  the 
lady  in  question.  Gentlemen,  I  am  to  be  found  at  Hurri- 
cane Hall,  and  I  liave  the  lienor  of  wishing  you  a  more 
improving  subject  of  conversation,  and — a  very  good  after- 
noon,said  John  Stone,  bowing  and  leaving  the  room. 

He  immediately  called  for  his  horse  and  rode  home. 

In  crossing  the  thicket  of  woods  between  the  river  and 
the  rising  ground  in  front  of  Hurricane  Hall,  he  overtook 
Capitola,  who,  as  we  have  said,  had  been  out  alone  with  her 
gun  and  dog,  and  was  now  returning  home  with  her  game- 
bag  well  laden. 

Now,  as  John  Stone  looked  at  Capitola,  with  her  reck- 
less, free  and  joyous  air,  he  thought  she  was  just  the 
sort  of  a  girl  unconsciously,  to  get  herself  and  friends  into 
trouble.  And  he  thought  it  best  to  give  her  a  hint  to  put 
an  abrupt  period  to  her  acquaintance,  if  she  had  even  the 
slightest,  with  the  heir  apparent  of  the  Hidden  House. 

While  still  hesitating  how  to  begin  the  conversation,  he 
came  up  with  the  young  girl,  dismounted,  and  leading  his 
horse,  walked  by  her  side,  asking  carelessly  : 
What  have  you  bagged,  Cap  ?" 

"  Some  patridges.  Ob,  you  should  have  been  out  with 
me  and  Sweetlips  !  we've  had  sucJi  sport  !  But,  anyhow,  you 
shall  enjoy  your  share  of  the  spoils  !  Come  home,  and  you 
shall  have  some  of  these  patridges  broiled  for  supper,  with 


448 


cap's  eage. 


currant  sauce — a  dish  of  my  own  invention,  for  uncle's 
sake,  you  know  !  lie^s  sucli  a  gourmand  V 

^'  Thank  you,  yes,  I  am  on  my  way  home  now.  Hem-m  ! 
Capitola,  I  ceunsel  you  to  cut  the  acquaintance  of  our 
neighbor,  Craven  Le  Noir." 

'■''I  have  already  done  so  ;  but — what  in  the  world  is  the 
matter,  that  you  should  advise  me  thus  V  inquired  Capitola, 
fixing  her  eyes  steadily  upon  the  face  of  John  Stone,  who 
avoided  her  gaze  as  he  answered  : 

**The  man  is  not  a  proper  associate  for  a  young 
woman/' 

I  know  that,  and  have  cut  him  accordingly  ;  but, 
cousin  John,  there  is  some  reason  for  your  words,  that  you 
have  not  expressed ;  and  as  they  concern  me,  now  I  insist 
upon  knowing  what  they  are/' 

''Tut  !  it  is  nothing,''  said  the  other,  evasively. 

''  John  Stone,  I  know  better  !  and  the  more  you  look 
down  and  whip  your  boot,  the  surer  I  am  that  there  is 
something  I  ought  to  know,  and  I  ^uill  know  !" 

''  Well,  you  termagant !  have  your  way  ! — he  has  been 
speaking  lightly  of  you — that's  all !  nobody  minds  Imn;  Ms 
tongue  is  no  scandal." 

"  John  Stone,  what  has  he  said  ?"  asked  Capitola,  draw- 
ing her  breath  hardly  between  her  closed  teeth. 

''  Oh,  now,  why  should  you  ask  ? — It  is  nothing  ;  it  is 
not  proper  that  I  should  tell  yoa,"  replied  that  gentleman, 
in  embarrassment. 

It  is  nothing,'  and  yet  *it  is  not  proper  that  you 
should  tell  me  !'  How  do  you  make  that  out  ?  John 
Stone  !  leave  off  lashing  the  harmless  bushes  and  listen  to 
me  ! — I  have  to  live  in  the  same  neighborhood  with  this 
man,  after  you  have  gone  away,  and  I  insist  upon  knowing 
the  whole  length  and  breadth  of  his  baseness  and  malig- 
nity, that  I  may  know  how  to  judge  and  punish  him  !"  said 
Capitola,  with  such  grimness  of  resolution  that  Mr.  Stone, 
provoked  at  her  perversity,  answered  : 


cap's  rage. 


Well,  you  willful  girl,  listen  V  Au  dcommenciug,  he 
mercilessly  told  her  all  that  had  passed  at  the  table. 

To  have  seen  our  Cap,  then  I    Face,  neck  and  bosom 
were  flushed  with  the  crimson  tide  of  indignation  ! 
"  You  are  sure  of  what  you  tell  me.  Cousin  John  ?" 

The  man  vouches  for  it." 
''He  shall  bite  the  dust!" 
"  What  ?" 

''The  slanderer  shall  bite  the  dust !" 

Without  more  ado,  down  was  thrown  gun,  game-bag, 
powder-flask  and  shot-horn,  and  bounding  from  point  to 
point  over  all  the  intervening  space,  Capitola  rushed  into 
Hurricane  Hall,  and  without  an  instant^s  delay  ran  straight 
into  the  parlor,  where  her  epicurean  friend,  the  young  Cre- 
ole, lay  slumbering  upon  the  lounge. 

With  her  face  now  livid  with  concentrated  rage,  and 
her  eyes  glittering  with  that  suppressed  light  peculiar  to 
intense  passion,  she  stood  before  him  and  said  : 

"  Edwin  !  Craven  Le  jSToir  has  defamed  your  cousin  ! 
get  up  and  challenge  him  V 

"What  did  you  say.  Cap?"  said  Mr.  Percy,  slightly 
yawning. 

"  Must  I  repeat  it  ?  Craven  Le  ISToir  has  defamed  my 
character — challenge  him  !" 

"  That  would  be  against  the  law,  coz  ;  they  would  indict 
me,  sure  !" 

"You — you — you  lie  there  and  answer  me  in  that  way  I 
Oh,  that  I  were  a  man  !" 

"Compose  yourself,  sweet  coz,  and  tell  me  wh^it  all 
this  is  about.  Yaw-oo  ! — really  I  was  asleep  when  you  first 
spoke  to  me." 

"  Asleep  !  had  you  been  dead  and  in  your  grave,  the 
words  that  I  spoke  should  have  roused  you  like  the  trump 
of  the  archangel !"  exclaimed  Capitola,  with  the  blood 
rushing  back  to  her  cheeks. 


450 


cap's  rage. 


Your  entrance  was  sufficiently  startling,  coz  !  but  toll 
me  over  again — what  was  the  occasion 

That  caitiff,  Cravou  Le  Noir,  lias  slandered  me.  Oh, 
the  villian  !  He  is  a  base  slanderer  !  Percy  get  up  this 
moment  and  challenge  Le  Noir  I  I  cannot  breathe  freely 
until  it  is  done  r  exclaimed  CapitoLi,  inpetuously. 

"  Cousin  Cap,  duelling  is  obsolete  ;  scenes  are  passe  ; 
law  settles  everything  ;  and  here  there  is  scarcely  ground 
for  action  for  libel.  But  be  comforted,  coz,  for  if  this 
comes  to  Uncle  Hurricane^s  ears,  he'll  make  mince-meat  of 
him  in  no  time.  It  is  all  in  his  line  ;  he'll  chaw  him  right 
up  V 

Percy,  do  you  mean  to  say  that  you  will  not  call  out 
that  man      asked  Capitola,  drawing  her  breath  hardly. 

Yes,  coz." 
"  You  won't  fight  him  r 
"No,  coz/' 
"You  won't  r 
"  No." 

"Edwin  Percy,  look  me  straight  in  the  face  !"  said  Cap, 
between  her  closed  teeth. 

"Well,  I  am  looking  you  straight  in  the  face  !  straight 
in  the  two  blazing  gray  eyes,  you  little  tempest  in  a  teapot ! 
—what  then  ?" 

"  Do  I  look  as  though  I  should  be  in  earnest  in  what  I 
am  about  to  speak  ?" 

"  I  should  judge  so." 

"  Then  listen,  and  don't  take  your  eyes  off  mine  until  I 
am  done  spoaking  !" 

"  Very  vv^ell ;  don't  be  long  though,  for  it  rather  agitates 
me." 

"'  I  will  not !  hear  me,  then  :  You  say  that  you  decline 
to  challenge  Le  Noir.  Very  good.  I,  on  my  j^art,  bore 
renounce  all  acqu;iintance  witii  you  !  I  Avill  never  sit  down 
at  the  same  table  ;  enter  the  same  room  ;  or  breathe  the 
same  air  with  you  ;  never  speak  to  you  ;  listen  to  you  ;  or 


cap's  rage. 


451 


recognize  yoa  iu  any  manner,  until  my  deep  -svrongs  are 
avenged  in  the  pnnisliment  of  my  slanderer^  so  lielp  me — " 
Husli-sli  !  don't  swear,  Cap  ;  it's  profane  and  nnY7om- 
anlv  ;  and  nothing  on  earth  bnt  broken  oaths  ^'onld  be  the 
result  I" 

But  Cap  was  off.  In  an  inst:mr  she  was  down  in  the 
yard,  where  her  groom  was  holding  he-r  horse  ready,  in  case 
she  wished  to  take  her  usual  ride. 

Where  is  Mr.  John  Stone  ?"  she  asked. 

'■•'Down  at  the  kennels,  -Mis-,"  answered  the  boy. 

She  jumped  into  her  saddle,  put  whip  to  her  horse 
and  flew  over  to  the  mansioii-hnuse  and  tlie  kennels. 

Slse  pnllcd  up  liefore  the  door  of  the  main  building, 
sprang  from  her  saddle,  threw  a  bridle  to  a  man  in  attend- 
ance, and  rushed  into  tlie  house  and  into  the  presence  of 
Mr.  John  Stone,  who  was  busy  in  prescribing  for  an  indis- 
posed pointer. 

He  looked  up  in  astonislmicnt,  exclaiming  : 

'•'Hilloe  I  all  the  vritches  I  here's  Cap  I  why  where  on 
earth  did  you  shoot  from  ?  "What's  up  now  ?  You  look  as 
if  you  were  in  a  state  of  spontaneous  combustion  and 
couldn't  stand  it  another  minute."^ 

And  I  can't  I  and  I  won't  !  John  Stone,  you  must 
call  that  man  out  I'^ 

^^What  man.  Cap — what  the  deuce  do  you  mean  T' 

^"  You  know  well  enough  !  you  do  this  to  proyoke  me  I 
I  mean  the  man  of  whom  you  cautioned  me  this  afternoon  ! 
the  wretch  who  slandered  me,  the  niece  of  your  host  !'' 
Whe— cw  V 
Will  you  do  it  9" 

'••'Where's  Percy  ?" 

"  On  the  lounge,  with  an  ice  in  one  hand  and  a  novel 
in  the  other  I  I  suppose  it  is  no  use  mincing  the  matter, 
John  ;  he  is  a — mere  epicure  I  there  is  no  fight  in  him  !  It 
is  you  who  must  vindicate  your  cousin^s  honor 


4-52 


cap's  kage. 


My  cousin^s  honor  cannot  need  vindication  !  it  is 
unquestioned  and  unquestionable  V 

No  smooth  words,  if  you  please,  cousin  John  !  Will 
you,  or  will  you  not  fight  that  man 

Tut,  Cap,  no  one  really  questions  your  honor  !  That 
man  will  get  himself  knocked  into  a  cocked  hat  if  he  goes 
around  talking  of  an  honest  girl/' 

A  likely  thing,  when  her  own  cousins  and  guests  take 
it  so  quietly 

What  would  you  have  them  do.  Cap  ?  The  longer 
an  affair  of  this  kind  is  agitated,  the  more  offensive  it 
becomes  !  Besides,  chivalry  is  out  of  date.  The  knights- 
errant  are  all  dead/^ 

The  MEK  are  all  dead  !  if  any  ever  really  lived  !"  cried 
Cap,  in  a  fury.  ^'  Heaven  knows  I  am  inclined  to  believe 
them  to  have  been  a  fabulous  race  like  that  of  the  masta- 
don  or  the  centaur  !  /  certainly  never  saw  a  creature  that 
deserved  the  name  of  man  !  The  very  first  of  your  race 
was  the  meanest  fellow  that  ever  was  heard  of  !  eat  the 
stolen  apple,  and  when  found  out,  laid  one  half  of  the 
blame  on  his  wife,  and  the  other  on  his  maker — ^  The 
WOMAK  whom  THOU  gavest  me did  so  and  so  !  pah  !  I 
don^t  wonder  the  Lord  took  a  dislike  to  the  race  and  sent 
a  flood  to  sweep  them  all  off  the  face  of  the  earth  ! — I  will 
give  you  one  more  chance  to  retrieve  your  honor  !  In  one 
word,  now — will  you  fight  that  man 

"  My  dear  little  cousin,  I  would  do  anything  in  reason 
to  vindicate  the  assailed  manhood  of  my  whole  sex,  but 
really,  now— — " 

 Will  you  fight  that  man  ? — one  word — yes  or 

no  r 

Tut,  Cap  ?  you  are  a  very  reckless  young  woman  ! 
You — it's  your  nature — you  are  an  incorrigible  madcap  ! 
You  bewitch  a  poor  wretch  until  he  doesn't  know  his  head 
from  his  heels  ;  puts  his  feet  into  his  hat  and  covers  his 
Bcalp  with  his  boots  !    You  are  a  will-o'-the-wisp  who  lures 


gap's  eage. 


453 


a  poor  fellow  on  through  woods,  bogs  and  briars,  until  you 
land  him  in  the  quicksands  !  You  whirl  him  around  and 
around  until  he  grows  dizzy  and  delirious,  and  talks  at 
random,  and  then  you^d  have  him  called  out,  you  blood- 
thirsty little  vixen  !  I  tell  you,  Cousin  Cap,  if  I  were  to 
take  up  all  the  quarrels  your  hoydenism  might  lead  me  into, 
I  should  have  nothing  else  to  do  I" 
Then  you  won't  fight  V 

Can't  little  cousin  !  I  have  a  Av'jfe  and  faniily,  which 
are  powerful  checks  upon  a  man's  duelling  impulses  !" 

"  SiLEi^"CE  !  you  are  no  cousin  of  mine  1  no  drop  of  your 
sluggish  blood  stagnates  in  my  veins  !  no  spark  of  the 
liquid  fire  of  my  life's  current  burns  in  your  torpid  arteries, 
else  at  this  insult,  would  it  set  you  in  a  flame  !  Never  dare 
to  call  me  cousin  again^  recreant !"  And  so  saying,  she 
flung  herself  out  of  the  building  and  into  her  saddle,  put 
whip  to  her  horse  and  galloped  away  home. 

Now  Mr.  Stone  had  privately  resolved  to  thrash  Craven 
Le  ISToir  ;  but  he  did  not  deem  it  expedient  to  take  Cap 
into  his  confidence.  As  Capitola  reached  the  horse-block, 
her  own  groom  came  to  take  the  bridle. 

Jem,"  she  said,  as  she  jumped  from  her  saddle, — 
'^put  Gyp  up  and  then  come  to  my  room,  I  have  a  message 
to  send  by  yoa." 

And  then  with  burning  cheeks  and  flashing  eyes,  she 
went  to  her  own  sanctum,  and  after  taking  off  her  habit, 
did  the  most  astounding  thing  that  ever  a  woman  of  the 
nineteenth  or  any  former  century  attempted — she  wrote  a 
challenge  to  Craven  Le  Noir — charging  him  with  falsehood 
in  having  maligned  her  honor  ;  demanding  from  him  '^'the 
satisfaction  of  a  gentleman;"  and  requesting  him  as  the 
challenged  party,  to  name  the  time,  place  and  weapons 
with  which  he  would  meet  her. 

By  the  time  she  had  written,  sealed  and  directed  this 
warlike  defiance,  her  young  groom  made  his  appearance. 


oab's  bags. 


Jem/'  slie  asked^  do  you  know  tlie  way  to  the  Hid- 
den House  ?" 

Yes,  Miss,  sure.'' 

Then  take  this  note  thither,  ask  for  Mr.  Le  Noir,  put 
it  into  his  hands,  and  say  that  you  are  directed  to  wait  an 
answer.  And  listen,  you  need  not  mention  to  any  one  in 
this  house,  where  you  are  going  ;  nor  when  you  i-eturn, 
where  you  have  been  ;  but  bring  the  answer  you  may  get 
directly  to  this  room,  where  you  will  find  me." 

Yes,  Miss,"  said  the  boy,  who  was  off  like  a  flying 
Mercury. 

Capitola  threw  herself  into  her  chair  to  spend  the  slow 
hours  until  the  boy's  return,  as  well  as  her  fierce  impatience 
and  forced  inaction  would  permit. 

At  tea-time  she  was  summoned  ;  but  excused  herself 
j'rom  going  below  upon  a  plea  of  indisposition. 

^'  Which  is  perfectly  true,"  she  said  to  herself,  since 
I  am  utterly  indisposed  to  go.  And  besides,  I  have  sworn 
never  again  to  sit  at  the  same  table  with  my  cousins,  until 
for  the  wrongs  done  me,  I  have  received  ample  satisfac- 
tion." 


OAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


455 


CHAPTER  XLVIL 

CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 

"  Oh  I  when  she's  angiy,  she  is  keen  and  shrewd ; 
She  was  a  vixen  when  she  went  to  school ; 
And  though  she  is  but  little  she  is  fierce." 

— Shakespeare. 

It  was  quite  late  in  the  evening  when  Jem,  her  messen- 
ger, returned. 

Have  you  an  answer  she  impetuonsly  demanded, 
rising  to  meet  him  as  lie  entered. 

Yes,  Miss,  here  it  is,^^  replied  the  boy,  handing  a 
neatly  folded,  highly  perfumed  little  note. 

^^Go,"  said  Cap,  cui-tly,  as  she  received  it. 

And  when  the  boy  had  bowed  and  withdrawn,  she  threw 
herself  into  a  chair,  and  with  little  respect  for  the  pretty 
device  of  the  pierced  heart  with  which  the  note  was  sealed, 
she  tore  it  open  and  devoured  its  contents. 

Why  did  Capitola's  cheeks  and  lips  blanch,  white  as 
death  ?  Why  did  her  eyes  contract  and  glitter  like  stilet- 
tos ?  Why  was  her  breath  drawn  hard  and  laboriously 
through  clenched  teeth  and  livid  lips  ? 

That  note  wa?  couched  in  the  most  insultinjr  terms. 

o 

Capitola's  first  impulse  was  to  rend  the  paper  to  atoms 
and  grind  those  atoms  to  powder  beneath  her  heel.  But  a 
second  inspiration  changed  her  purpose. 

"  'No,  no,  no,  I  will  not  destroy  you,  precious  little  note  ! 
No  legal  document  involving  the  ownership  of  the  largest 
estate,  no  cherished  love-letter  filled  with  vows  of  undying 
affection,  shall  be  more  carefully  guarded  !  'Next  to  my 
heart,  shall  you  lie.  My  shield  and  buckler,  shall  you  be  I 
my  sure  defensB  and  justification  !    I  know  what  to  do  with 


456 


OAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


you,  my  precious  liUle  jewel  !  You  are  the  warrant  for 
the  punishment  of  that  man,  signed  by  his  own  hand/^ 
And  so  saying  Capitola  carefully  deposited  the  note  in  her 
bosom. 

Then  she  lighted  her  chamber  lamp,  and  taking  it  with 
her,  went  down  stairs  to  her  uncle's  bedroom. 

Taking  advantage  of  the  time  when  she  knew  he  would 
be  absorbed  in  a  game  of  chess  with  Jobn  Stone,  and  she 
should  be  safe  from  interruption  for  several  hours  if  she 
wished,  she  went  to  Major  Warfield^s  little  armory  in  the 
closet  adjoining  his  room,  opened  his  pistol-case  and  took 
from  it  a  pair  of  revolvers,  closed  and  locked  the  case,  and 
withdrew  and  hid  the  key  tbat  tbey  might  not  cbance 
to  be  missed  until  she  should  have  time  to  replace  them. 

Then  she  hurried  back  into  her  own  chamber,  locked 
the  pistols  up  in  her  own  drawer,  and  wearied  out  with  so 
much  excitement,  prepared  to  go  to  rest.  Here  a  grave 
and  unexpected  obstacle  met  her ;  she  had  always  been 
accustomed  to  kneel  and  offer  up  to  Heaven  her  evening's 
tribute  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  for  the  mercies  of  the 
day,  and  prayers  for  protection  and  blessing  through  the 
night. 

Kow  she  knelt  as  usual,  but  thanksgiving  and  prayer 
seemed  frozen  on  her  lips.  How  could  she  praise  or  pray 
with  such  a  purpose  as  sbe  had  in  her  heart  ? 

For  the  first  time  Capitola  doubted  the  perfect  right- 
eousness of  that  purpose  which  was  of  a  character  to  arrest 
her  prayers  upon  her  lips. 

With  a  start  of  impatience  and  a  heavy  sigh,  she  sprang 
up  and  hurried  into  bed. 

She  did  not  sleep,  but  lay  tossing  from  side  to  side  in 
feverish  excitement  the  whole  night — having,  in  fact,  a 
terrible  battle  between  her  own  fierce  passions  and  her 
newly-awakened  conscience. 

Nevertheless,  she  arose  by  daybreak  in  the  morning, 
dressed  herself,  went  and  unlocked  her  drawer,  took  out  the 


CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  OLIMAX. 


45? 


pistols,  carefully  loaded  them,  and  laid  tliera  down  for 
service. 

Then  she  went  down  stairs,  where  the  servants  were  only 
just  beginning  to  stir,  and  sent  for  her  groom,  Jem,  whom 
she  ordered  to  saddle  her  pony,  and  also  get  a  horse  for  him- 
self, to  attend  her  in  a  morning  ride. 

After  which  she  returned  up  stairs,  put  on  her  riuing- 
habit,  and  buckled  around  her  waist  a  morocco  belt,  into 
which  she  stuck  the  two  revolvers.  She  then  throw  around 
ber  shoulders  a  short  circular  cape  that  concealed  the 
w^eapons,  and  put  on  her  hat  and  gloves  and  went  below. 

She  found  her  little  groom  already  at  tbe  door  with  the 
horses.  She  sprang  into  her  saddle,  and,  bidding  Jem 
follow  her,  took  the  road  towards  Tip  Top. 

She  knew  that  Mr.  Le  Noir  was  in  the  habit  of  riding 
to  the  village  every  morning,  and  she  determined  to  meet 
him.  She  knew,  from  tbe  early  hour  of  the  day,  that  he 
could  not  possibly  be  ahead  of  her,  and  she  rode  on  slowly, 
to  give  him  an  opportunity  to  overtake  her. 

Probably  Craven  Le  Noir  Vv'as  later  that  morning  than 
usual,  for  Capitola  had  reached  the  entrance  of  the  village 
before  she  heard  the  sound  of  his  horse's  feet  approaching 
behind  her. 

She  did  not  wish  that  their  rencontre  should  be  in  the 
streets  of  the  village,  so  she  instantly  wheeled  her  horse  and 
galloped  back  to  meet  him. 

As  both  were  riding  at  full  speed,  they  soon  met. 

She  first  drew  rein,  and,  standing  in  his  way  accosted 
him  with  : 

Mr.  Le  ISToir  P 

Your  most  obedient.  Miss  Black,"  he  said,  with  a 
deep  bow. 

I  happen  to  be  without  father  or  brother  to  protect 
me  from  affroiit,  sir,  and  my  uncle  is  an  invalid  veteran 
whom  I  will  not  trouble.  I  am,  therefore,  under  the  novel 
necessity  of  fighting  my  own  battles.    Yesterday,  sir,  I 


458 


CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


sent  you  a  note  demauding  satisfaction  for  a  heinous  slan- 
der you  circulated  against  me.  You  replied  by  an  insult- 
ing note.  You  do  not  escape  punishment  so  !  Here  are 
two  pistols  ;  both  are  loaded  ;  take  either  one  of  them  :  for, 
sir,  we  have  met,  and  now  we  do  not  part  until  one  of  us 
falls  from  the  horse  I" 

And  so  saying,  she  rode  up  to  him  and  offered  him  the 
choice  of  the  pistols. 

He  laughed — partly  in  surprise  and  partly  in  admiration 
as  he  said,  with  seeming  good  humor  : 

Miss  Black,  you  are  a  very  charming  young  woman, 
and  delightfully  original  and  piquant  in  all  your  ideas  ;  but 
you  outrage  all  the  laws  that  govern  the  duello.  You  know 
that,  as  the  challenged  party,  I  have  the  right  to  the  choice 
of  time,  place  and  arms.  I  made  that  choice  yesterday. 
I  renew  it  to-day.  When  you  accede  to  the  terms  of  the 
meeting,  I  shall  endeavor  to  give  you  all  the  satisfaction 
you  demand.    Good  morning.  Miss.'' 

And  with  a  deep  bow,  even  to  the  flaps  of  his  saddle,  he 
rode  past  her. 

"  That  base  insult  again  !"  cried  Capitola,  with  the 
blood  rushing  to  her  face. 

Then  lifting  her  voice,  she  again  accosted  him  : 

Mr.  Le  Noir 
He  turned,  with  a  smile. 

She  threw  one  of  the  pistols  on  the  ground  near  him, 
saying  : 

"  Take  that  up  and  defend  yourself.'' 
He  waved  his  hand  in  negation,  bowed,  smiled,  and 
rode  on. 

Mil.  Le  Noir  !"  she  called  in  a  peremptory  tone. 
Once  more  he  turned. 

She  raised  her  pistol,  took  deliberate  aim  at  his  white 
forehead,  and  fired — 

Bang  !  bang  !  bang  !  bang  !  ba^tg  I  bang  1 


CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


459 


-  -Six  times  without  an  instant^s  intermission,  until  her 
revolver  was  sj^ent. 

When  the  smoke  cleared  iaway,  a  terrible  vision  met  her 
eyes. 

It  was  Craven  Le  Noir  with  his  face  covered  witli  blood, 
reeling  in  his  saddle,  from  which  he  soon  dropped  to  the 
ground. 

In  falling,  his  foot  remained  hanging  in  the  stirrup. 
The  well-trained  cavalry  horse  stood  perfectly  still,  though 
trembling  in  a  panic  of  terror,  from  which  he  might  at 
any  moment  start  to  run,  dragging  the  helpless  body  after 
him. 

Capitola  saw  this  danger,  and  not  being  cruel,  sh^ 
tempered  justice  with  mercy  ;  threw  down  her  spent  pistol ; 
dismounted  from  her  boise  ;  went  up  to  the  fallen  man  ; 
disengaged  his  foot  from  the  stirrup,  and  taking  hold  of 
his  shoulders,  tried  with  all  her  might  to  drag  the  still 
breathing  form  from  the  dusty  road  where  it  lay  in  danger 
of  being  run  over  by  wagons,  to  the  green  bank  where  it 
might  lie  in  comparative  safety. 

But  the  heavy  form  was  too  much  for  her  single 
strength.  And  calling  her  terrified  groom  to  assist  her, 
they  removed  the  body. 

Capitola  then  remounted  her  horse,  and  galloped  rap- 
idly into  the  village,  and  up  to  the  ladies'  entrance  of 
the  hotel,  where  after  sendiiig  for  the  proprietor,  she  said  : 

^^I  have  just  been  shooting  Craven  Le  Noir  for  slander- 
ing me  ;  he  lies  by  the  roadside  at  the  entrance  of  the  vil- 
lage ;  you  had  better  send  somebody  to  pick  him  up." 
Miss     cried  the  astounded  inn-keeper. 

Capitola  distinctly  repeated  her  words,  and  then  leav- 
ing the  inn-keeper,  transfixed  with  consternation,  she 
crossed  the  street  and  entered  a  magistrate's  ofiBce,  where  a 
little  old  gentleman,  with  a  pair  of  green  spectacles  resting 
on  his  hooked  nose^  sat  at  a  writing-table,  giving  some 


460 


CAPITOL  A  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


directions  to  a  constable,  who  was  standing  hat  in  hand 
before  him. 

CapitoL^  waited  until  this  functionary  had  his  orders 
and  a  written  paper,  and  had  left  the  office,  and  the  mag- 
istrate was  alone,  before  she  walked  up  to  the  desk  and 
stood  before  him. 

*^  Well,  well,  young  woman  !  Well,  well,  what  do  you 
want  inquired  the  old  gentleman,  impatiently  looking 
up  from  folding  his  papers. 

"  I  have  come  to  give  myself  up  for  shooting  Craven  Le 
Noir,  who  slandered  me,"  answered  Capitola,  quietly. 

The  old  man  let  fall  his  haudfuls  of  papers,  i-aised  his 
head  and  stared  at  her  over  the  tops  of  his  green  specta- 
cles. 

What  did  you  say,  young  woman  ?"  he  asked,  in  the 
tone  of  one  who  doubted  liis  own  ears. 

I  say  that  I  liave  forestalled  an  arrest  by  coming  here 
to  give  myself  up  for  the  shooting  of  a  dastard  who  slandered, 
insulted,  and  refused  to  give  me  satisfaction,"  answered 
Capitola,  very  distinctly. 

Am  I  awake  ?  Do  I  hear  aright  ?  Do  you  mean  to 
say  that  you  have  killed  a  man  asked  the  dismayed 
magistrate. 

Oh  !  I  can't  say  as  to  the  killing  !  I  shot  him  off  his 
horse,  and  then  sent  Mr.  Merry  and  his  men  to  pick  him 
up,  while  I  came  here  to  answer  for  myself  !" 

Unfortunate  girl!  and  how  can  you  answer  for  such 
a  dreadful  deed  !"  exclaimed  the  utterly  confounded  magis- 
trate. 

*^'0h,  as  to  the  dreadfnlncss  of  the  deed,  lhat  depends 
on  circumstances,'"' said  Cap,  and  I  can  answer  for  it  very 
well.  He  made  addresses  to  me  ;  I  refused  him.  He  slan- 
dered me ;  I  challenged  him.  He  insulted  me  ;  I  shot 
him." 

Miserable  young  woman,  if  this  be  proved  true,  I  shall 
have  to  commit  you  1" 


CAPITOL  A  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


461 


Just  as  yon  please,''  said  Cap,  but  bless  your  soul, 
that  won't  help  Craven  Le  Noir  a  single  bit 

As  she  spoke  several  persons  entered  the  oflBlce  in  a  state 
of  high  excitement — all  talking  at  once,  saying  : 

That  is  the  girl  !" 

Yes,  that  is  her  V 

She  is  Miss  Black,  old  Warfield's  neice/ 

Yes,  he  said  she  was,''  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

What  is  all  this,  neighbors,  what  is  all  this  ?"  inquired 
the  troubled  magistrate,  rising  in  his  place. 

Why,  sir,  there's  been  a  gentleman,  Mr.  Craven  Le 
Noir,  shot.  He  has  been  taken  to  the  Antlers,  where  he 
lies  in  articulus  moi^tis,  and  we  wish  him  to  be  confronted 
with  Miss  Capitola  Black,  the  young  woman  here  present, 
that  he  may  indentify  her,  whom  he  accuses  of  having  fired 
six  charges  into  him,  before  his  death.  She  needn't  deny 
it,  because  he  is  ready  to  swear  to  her  !"  said  Mr.  Merry, 
who  constituted  himself  spokesman. 

She  accuses  herself,"  said  the  magistrate  in  dismay. 

Then,  sir,  had  she  not  better  be  taken  at  once  to  the 
presence  of  Mr.  Le  Noir,  who  may  not  have  many  minutes 
to  live  !" 

Yes,  come  along,"  said  Cap.  I  only  gave  myself  up 
to  wait  for  this  ;  and  as  he  is  already  at  hand,  let's  go  and 
have  it  all  over,  for  I  have  been  riding  about  in  this  frosty 
morning  air,  for  three  hours,  and  I  have  got  a  good  appetite, 
and  I  want  to  go  home  to  breakfast." 

"  I  am  afraid,  young  woman,  you  will  scarcely  get  home 
to  breakfast  this  morning,"  said  Mr.  Merry. 

''We'll  see  that  presently,"  answered  Cap,  composedly, 
as  they  all  left  the  office,  and  crossed  the  street  to  the  Ant- 
lers. 

They  were  conducted  by  the  landlord  to  a  chamber  on 
the  first  floor,  where  upon  a  bed  lay  stretched,  almost  with- 
out breath  or  motion,  the  form  of  Craven  Le  l^oir.  His 
face  was  still  covered  with  blood,  that  the  bystanders  had 


i62 


CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


scrupulously  refused  to  wash  off,  until  tlie  arrival  of  the 
magistrate.  His  complexion  as  far  as  could  be  seen,  was 
very  pale.  He  Avas  tlioro uglily  prostrated,  if  not  actually 
dying. 

Around  liis  bed  were  gathered  the  village  doctor^,  the 
landlady,  and  several  maidservants. 

The  squire  has  come,  sir;  are  you  able  to  speak 
him     asked  the  landlord,  approaching  the  bed. 

''Yes — let  him  swear  me,^^  feebly  replied  the  wounded 
man,  ''  and  theu  send  for  a  clergyman/' 

The  landlady  immediately  left  to  send  for  Mr.  Good- 
win, and  t!ie  magistrate  approached  the  head  of  the  bed, 
and  speaking  solemnly,  exhorted  the  wounded  man,  as  he 
expected  soon  to  give  an  account  of  the  works  done  in  his 
bod}^,  to  speak  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but 
the  truth,  without  reserve,  malice  or  exaggeration,  both  as 
to  the  deed,  and  its  provocation. 

I  w^ill,  I  will,  for  I  have  sent  for  a  minister  and  I  in- 
tend to  try  to  make  my  peace  with  Heaven,*'  replied  Le  Noir. 

The  magistrate  then  directed  Oapitola  to  come  and  take 
her  stand  at  the  foot  of  the  bed  where  the  wounded  man, 
who  was  lying  on  his  back,  could  see  her  without  turning. 

Cap  came  as  she  was  commanded,  and  stood  thcve  with 
some  irrepressible  and  incomprehensible  mischief  gleaming 
out  from  under  her  long  eye-lashes  and  from  the  corners  of 
her  dimpled  lips. 

The  magistrate  then  administered  the  oath  to  Craven 
Le  Noir,  and  bade  him  look  upon  Oapitola  and  give  his 
evidence. 

He  did  so,  and  under  the  terrors  of  a  guilty  conscience 
and  of  expected  death,  his  evidence  partook  more  of  the 
nature  of  a  confession  than  an  accusation.  He  testified 
that  he  had  addressed  Oapitola,  and  had  been  rejected  by 
her;  then,  under  the  influence  of  evil  motives,  he  had  cir- 
culated insinuations  against  her  honor,  which  were  utterly 
unjustifiable  by  fact ;  ihe,  seeming  to  have  heard  of  them; 


CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


4G3 


took  the  strcange  course  of  challenging  liim — just  as  if  she 
had  been  a  man  ;  lie  could  not  of  course  meet  a  lady  in  a 
duel,  but  he  bad  taken  advantage  of  the  teclinical  phrase- 
ology of  the  challenged  party,  as  to  time,  place  and  wea- 
pons, to  offer  her  a  deep  insult ;  then  she  had  waylaid  him 
on  the  highway,  offered  him  his  choice  of  a  pair  of  rcvol- 
yers,  and  told  him,  that  having  met,  they  should  not  part 
imtil  one  or  the  other  fell  from  the  horse  ;  he  had  again 
laughingly  refused  the  encounter  except  upon  the  insulting- 
terms  he  had  before  proposed  ; — she  had  then  tlirown  him 
one  of  the  pistols,  bidding  him  defend  himself ; — he  had 
laughingly  passed  her  when  she  called  him  by  name,  he 
turned  and  she  fired— six  times  in  .succession  and  he  fell. 
He  knew  no  more  until  he  was  brought  to  his  present  room. 
He  said  in  conclusion,  he  did  not  wish  that  the  young  girl 
should  be  prosecuted  as  she  had  only  avenged  her  own 
honor  ;  and  that  he  hoped  his  death  would  be  taken  by  her 
and  her  friends,  as  a  sufficient  expiation  of  his  offenses 
against  her  ;  and  lastly,  he  requested  that  he  might  be  left 
alone  with  the  minister. 

"  Bring  that  unhappy  young  woman  over  to  my  office, 
Ketchem,"  said  the  magistrate,  addressing  himself  to  a 
constable.    Then  turning  to  the  landlord,  he  said  : 

"  Sir,  it  would  be  a  charity  in  you  to  put  a  messenger 
on  horseback  and  send  him  to  Hurricane  Hall  for  Major 
Warfield,  who  will  have  to  enter  into  a  recognizance  for 
Miss  Black's  appearance  at  court/' 

^^Stop,"  said  Cap,  don't  be  too  certain  of  that  !  '  Be 
always  sure  you're  right — then  go  ahead  !'  Is  not  any  one 
here  cool  enough  to  reflect  that  if  I  had  fired  six  bullets  at 
that  man's  forehead,  and  every  one  had  struck,  I  should 
have  blown  his  head  to  the  sky  ? — Will  not  somebody  at 
once  wash  his  face  and  see  how  deep  the  wounds  are  ?"' 

The  doctor  who  had  been  restrained  by  others  now  took 
a  sponge  and  water  and  cleaned  the  face  of  Le  N"oir,  which 
was  found  to  be  well  peppered  with  split  peas  ! 


464: 


CAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


Cap  looked  around^  and  seeing  the  astonished  looks  of 
the  good  people,  burst  into  an  irrepressible  fit  of  laughter, 
saying,  as  soon  as  she  had  got  breath  enough  : 

Upon  my  word,  neighbors,  you  look  more  shocked,  if 
not  actually  more  disappointed,  to  find  that,  after  all,  he  is 
not  killed,  and  there'll  be  no  spectacle,  than  you  did  at  first 
when  you  thought  murder  had  been  done/' 

^'  Will  you  be  good  enough  to  explain  this,  young 
woman     said  the  magistrate,  severely. 

'^Certainly,  for  your  worship  seems  as  much  disap- 
pointed as  others  !"  said  Cap.  Then  turning  towards  the 
group  around  the  bed,  she  said  : 

*^You  have  heard  Mr.  Le  ISToir's  Mast  dying  speech 
and  confession,'  as  be  supposed  it  to  be  ;  and  you  know  the 
maddening  provocations  that  imflamed  my  temper  agaiust 
him.  Last  night,  after  having  received  his  insulting 
answer  to  my  challenge,  there  was  evil  in  ni}^  heart,  I  do 
assure  you  !  I  possessed  myself  of  my  uncle's  revolvers, 
and  resolved  to  waylay  him  this  morning,  and  force  him  to 

give  me  satisfaction,  or  if  he  refused  well,  no  matter  ! 

I  tell  you,  there  was  danger  in  me  ! — But,  before  retiring 
to  bed  at  night  it  is  my  habit  to  say  my  prayers  ;  now  the 
practice  of  prayer  and  the  purpose  of  '  red-handed  violence ' 
cannot  exist  in  the  same  person  at  the  same  time.  I 
wouldn't  sleep  without  23raying,  and  I  couldn't  pray  with- 
out giving  up  my  thoughts  of  fatal  vengeance  upon  Craven 
Le  Noir.  So  at  last  I  made  up  my  mind  to  spare  his  life, 
and  teach  him  a  lesson.  The  next  morning  I  drew  the 
charges  of  the  revolvers,  and  re-loaded  them  with  poor 
powder  and  dried  j)eas.  Everything  else  has  happened 
just  as  he  has  told  you.  He  has  received  no  harm,  except 
in  being  terribly  frightened,  and  in  having  his  beauty 
spoiled ! — and  as  for  that,  didn't  I  offer  him  one  of  the 
pistols,  and  expose  my  own  face  to  similar  damage  ? — for 
I'd  scorn  to  take  advantage  of  any  one  V  said  Cap,  laugh- 
ing. 


OAPITOLA  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


465 


Craven  Le  Noir  liad  now  raised  himself  up  in  a  sitting 
posture,  and  was  looking  around  with  an  expression  of 
countenance  which  was  a  strange  hlending  of  relief  at  tliis 
unexpected  respite  from  the  grave  and  intense  mortification 
at  finding  himself  in  the  ridicalous  position  in  which  the 
address  of  Capitola  and  his  own  weak  nerves,  cowardice, 
and  credulity  had  placed  him. 

Cap  went  up  to  him  and  said,  in  a  consoling  voice  : 

''^Come  !  thank  Heaven  that  yon  are  not  going  to  die 
this  bout.  Fm  glad  you  repented  and  told  the  truth  ;  and 
I  hope  you  may  live  long  enough  to  offer  Heaven  a  truer 
repentance  than  that  whicli  is  the  mere  effect  of  fright. 
For  I  tell  you  plainly  that  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  grace 
of  the  Lord  acting  upon  my  heart  last  night,  your  soul  might 
have  been  in  Hades  now.''' 

Craven  Le  Tsoir  shut  his  eyes,  groaned,  and  fell  back 
overpowered  by  the  reflection. 

^'  Now,  please  your  Worship,  may  T  go  home  asked 
Cap,  demurely  po^oping  down  a  mock  courtesy  to  the  magis- 
trate. 

''Yes — go  !  go  !  go  !  go  V  said  that  oSicer,with  an  expres- 
sion as  though  he  considered  our  Cap  an  individual  of  the 
animal  kingdom  whom  neither  Buffon  nor  any  other  natural 
philosopher  had  ever  classified,  and  who,  as  a  creature  of 
unknown  habits,  might  sometimes  be  dangerous. 

Cap  immediately  availed  herself  of  the  permission,  and 
went  out  to  look  for  her  servant  and  horses. 

But  Jem,  the  first  moment  he  had  found  himself  un- 
watched,  had  put  out  as  fast  as  he  could  fly  to  Hurricane 
Hall,  to  inform  Major  Warfield  of  what  had  occurred. 

And  Capitola,  after  losing  a  great  deal  of  time  in  look- 
ing for  him,  mounted  her  horse  and  was  just  about  to  start, 
when  who  should  ride  up  in  hot  haste  but  Old  Hurricane, 
attended  by  Wool. 

"Stop  there  !"  he  shouted,  as  he  saw  Cap. 


466 


CAPITOL  A  CAPS  THE  CLIMAX. 


She  obeyed  ;  and  he  sprung  from  his  horse  with  the 
tigility  of  youth,  and  helped  her  to  descend  from  hers. 

Then  drawing  her  arm  within  his  own,  he  led  her  into 
the  parlor,  and  putting  an  unusual  resti'aint  upon  himself, 
he  ordered  her  to  tell  him  all  about  the  affair. 

Cap  sat  down  and  gave  him  the  whole  history  from 
beginning  to  end. 

Old  Hurricane  could  not  sit  still  to  hear.  He  strode 
up  and  down  the  room,  striking  his  stick  upon  the  floor, 
and  uttering  inarticulate  sounds  of  rage  and  defiance. 

When  Cap  had  finished  her  story  he  suddenly  stopped 
before  her,  brought  down  the  point  of  his  stick  with  a 
resounding  thump  upon  the  floor,  and  exclaimed  : 

Dcmmy,  you  New  York  newsboy,  will  you  never  be  a 
woman  ?  Why  the  demon  didn't  you  tell  me,  sirrah  ?  I 
would  have  called  the. fellow  out  and  chastised  him  to  your 
heart's  content.    Hang  it,  Miss,  answ^er  me  and  say." 

Because  you  are  on  the  invalid  list  and  I  am  in  sound 
condition  and  capable  of  taking  my  own  part,"  said  Cap. 

"Then,  answer  me  this:  while  you  loere  taking  your 
own  part,  why  the  foul  fiend  didn't  you  pepper  him  with 
something  sharper  than  dried  peas  ?" 

^'l  think  he  is  quite  as  severely  punished  in  suffering 
from  extreme  terror  an.d  intense  mortification  and  public 
ridicule,"  said  Cap. 

"And  now,  uncle,  I  have  not  eaten  a  single  blessed 
mouthful  this  morning,  and  I  am  hungry  enough  to  eat  up 
Gyp,  or  to  satisfy  Patty." 

Old  Hurricane,  permitting  his  excitement  to  subside  in 
a  fev/  expiring  grunts,  rang  the  bell  and  gave  orders  for 
breakfast  to  be  served. 

And  after  that  meal  was  over,  he  set  out  with  his  niece 
for  Hurricane  Hall. 

And  upon  arriving  at  home,  he  addressed  a  letter  to 
Mr.  Lc  Noir,  to  the  effect  that  as  soon  as  the  latter  should 


BLACK  Donald's  last  atte:\ipt. 


4G7 


Lave  recovered  from  tlie  effect  of  his  friglit  and  mortiiica- 
tion,  he,  Major  Warfield  should  demand  and  expect  satis- 
faction. 


CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

BLACK  DOXALD's  LAST  ATTEMPT. 

*'  Wlio  can  express  the  horror  of  that  night, 

When  darkness  lent  his  robes  to  monster  fear? 
And  heaven's  black  mantle,  banishing  the  light, 

Made  evcrvthing  in  fearful  form  appear.''     — Brandon. 

Let  it  not  be  supposed  that  Black  Donald  had  forgotten 
his  promise  to  Colonel  Le  Xoir,  or  ^as  indifferent  to  its 
performance. 

But  many  perilous  failures  had  taught  him  caution. 

He  had  watclied  and  vraylaid  Capitola  in  her  rides.  But 
the  girl  seemed  to  bear  a  charjued  safety  ;  for  never  once  had 
he  caught  sight  of  lier  cxce})t  in  company  with  her  groom 
and  ^Mtli  Craven  Le  Xoir.  And  very  soon  by  eaves-drop- 
ping on  these  occasions,  he  learned  the  secret  design  of  the 
son  to  forestall  the  father,  and  run  off  with  the  heiress. 

And  as  Black  Donald  did  not  foresee  what  success  Craven 
Le  Xoir  might  liave  with  Capitola,  he  felt  the  more  urgent 
necessity  for  prompt  aetion  on  his  own  part. 

Ho  might  indeed  have  brought  his  men  and  attacked 
and  overcome  Capit'jla's  atrendnnts,  in  open  day ;  but  the 
enterprise  must  needs  have  been  attended  with  great  blood- 
sheet  and  loss  of  life,  whicli  would  luivo  made  a  sensation  in 
the  neighborhood,  that  Black  Donald,  in  the  present  state 
of  his  fortunes,  w;'-  i     no  means  ambitious  of  daring. 

In  a  word,  li.  an  act  of  unparalleled  violence 

been  attempted^  the  better  it  succeeded  the  grgciter  would 


468 


BLACK  Donald's  last  aitempt. 


have  been  the  indignation  of  the  people,  and  the  whole 
country  Avould  probably  have  risen  and  armed  themselves, 
and  hunted  the  outlaws,  as  so  many  wild  beasts,  with 
horses  and  hounds. 

Therefore  Black  Donald  preferred  quietly  to  abduct  his 
victim,  so  as  to  leave  no  trace  of  her  taking  off,^^  but  to 
allow  it  to  be  supposed  that  she  had  eloped. 

He  resolved  to  undertake  this  adventure  alone,  though 
to  himself  personally  this  plan  was  even  more  dangerous 
than  the  other. 

He  determined  to  gain  access  to  her  chamber,  secrete 
himself  anywhere  in  the  room,  (except  under  the  bed, 
Avhere  his  instincts  informed  him  that  Oa2)itoLi  every  night 
looked,)  and  when  the  household  should  be  buried  in  re- 
pose, steal  out  upon  her,  overpower,  gag,  and  carry  her  olf, 
in  the  silence  of  the  night,  leaving  no  trace  of  his  own  pres- 
ence behind. 

By  means  of  one  of  his  men,  who  went  about  unsus- 
pected among  the  negroes,  buying  up  mats  and  baskets, 
that  the  latter  were  in  the  habit  of  making  for  sale,  he 
learned  that  Oapitola  occupied  the  same  remote  chamber  in 
the  oldest  part  of  the  house';  but  that  a  guest  slept  in  the 
room  next,  and  another  in  the  one  opposite  hers.  And 
that  the  house  was  besides  full  of  visitors  from  the  city, 
who  had  come  down  to  spend  the  sporting  season,  and  that 
they  Avere  hunting  all  day  and  carousing  all  night  from  one 
week^s  end  to  another. 

On  hearing  this.  Black  Donald  quickly  comprehended 
that  it  was  no  time  to  attempt  the  abduction  of  the  maiden 
with  the  least  probability  of  success.  All  would  be  risked, 
and  most  probably  lost  in  the  endeavor. 

He  resolved,  therefore,  to  wait  until  the  house  should 
be  cleai-  of  compaiiy,  and  the  household  fallen  into  their 
accustomed  carelessness  and  monotony. 

He  had  to  wait  much  longer  than  he  had  reckoned  upon 
— through  October  and  through  November^  when  he  first 


BLACK  DONALD'S    LAST  ATTEMPT. 


469 


heard  of  and  laughed  over  Cap's  '^dueP^  with  Craven  Le 
Noir,  and  congratulated  himself  upon  the  fact  that  that 
rival  was  no  longer  to  be  feared.  He  had  also  to  wait 
through  two-thirds  of  the  month  of  December  because  a 
party  had  come  down  to  enjoy  a  short  season  of  fox-hunt- 
ing.   They  went  away  just  before  Christmas. 

And  then  at  last  came  Black  Donald's  opportunity  ! 
And  a  line  opportunity  it  was  !  Had  Satan  himself  en- 
gaged to  furnish  him  with  one  to  order,  it  could  not  have 
been  better  ! 

The  reader  must  know,  that  throughout  Virginia  the 
Christmas  week,  from  the  day  after  Christmas  until  the 
day  after  New  Year,  is  the  negroes'  saturnalia  !  There  are 
Uiually  eight  days  of  incessant  dancing,  feasting  and  frol- 
icking from  quarter  to  quarter,  and  from  barn  to  barn. 
Then  the  banjo,  the  fiddle  and  the  bones,"  are  heard 
from  morning  until  night,  and  from  night  until  morning. 

And  nowhere  was  this  annual  octave  of  festivity  held 
more  sacred  than  at  Hurricane  Hall.  It  was  the  will  of 
Major  Warfield  that  they  should  have  their  full  satisfaction 
out  of  their  seven  days'  carnival.  He  usually  gave  a  dinner 
party  on  Christmas  day,  after  which  his  people  were  free 
until  the  third  of  January. 

^'  Demmy,  mum  !"  he  would  say  to  Mrs.  Condiment, 
"  they  wait  on  us  fifty-one  weeks  in  the  year,  and  it's  hard 
if  we  can't  wait  on  ourselves  the  fifty-second  !" 

Small  thanks  to  Old  Hurricane  for  his  self-denial !  He 
did  nothing  for  himself  or  others,  and  Mrs.  Condiment  and 
Capitola  had  a  hot  time  of  it  in  serving  him.  Mrs.  Condi- 
ment had  to  do  all  the  cooking  and  housework.  And  Cap 
had  to  perform  most  of  the  duties  of  Major  Warfield's  valet. 
And  that  was  the  way  in  which  Old  Hurricane  waited  on 
liimself. 

It  happened^  therefore,  that  about  the  middle  of  the 
Christmas  week,  being  Wednesday,  the  twenty-eighth  of 
December,  all  the  house-servants  and  farm-laborers  from 


m 


BLACK  DONALD'S    LAST  ATTEMPT. 


Hurricane  Hall  went  off  in  a  body  to  a  banjo  bre:)k-r!own 
given  at  a  farm  five  miles  across  the  countr3\ 

And  Major  Warfield,  Mrs.  Condiment  and  Capitola  were 
the  only  living  beings  left  in  the  old  bouse  tbat  niglit. 

Black  Donald,  who  bad  been  prowling  about  the  premises 
evening  after  evening,  watching  his  opportunity  to  efCcct 
his  nefarious  object,  soon  discovered  the  outward  bound 
stampede  of  the  negroes,  and  the  unprotected  state  in  which 
the  old  house,  for  that  night  only,  would  be  left.  And  he 
determined  to  take  advantage  of  the  circumstances  to 
consummate  his  wicked  purpose. 

In  itg  then  defenceless  condition,  he  could  easily  have 
mustered  his  force  and  carried  off  his  prize  without  imme- 
diate personal  risk.  But,  as  we  said  before,  he  eschewed 
violence,  as  being  likely  to  provoke  after  effects  of  a  too  fatal 
character. 

He  resolved  rather  at  once  to  risk  his  own  personal  safety 
in  the  quieter  plan  of  abduction  which  he  had  formed. 

He  determined  that  as  soon  as  it  should  be  dark,  he 
would  watch  his  opportunity  to  enter  the  house,  steal  to 
Cap's  chamber,  secrete  himself  in  a  closet,  and  when  all 
should  be  quiet,  ^^in  the  dead  waste  and  middle  of  the 
night,'^  he  would  come  out,  master  her,  sto])  her  mouth, 
and  carry  her  off. 

When  it  became  quite  dark  he  approached  the  house, 
and  hid  himself  under  the  steps  beneath  the  back  door 
leading  from  the  hall  into  the  garden,  to  watch  his  oppor- 
tunity of  entering.  He  soon  found  that  his  enterprise 
required  great  patience  as  well  as  courage.  He  had  to  wait 
more  than  two  hours  before  he  heard  the  door  unlocked 
and  opened. 

He  then  peered  out  from  his  hiding-place,  and  saw  Old 
Hurricane  taking  his  way  out  towards  the  garden. 

^Tow  was  his  time  to  slip  unperceived  into  the  house. 
He  stealthily  came  out  of  this  hiding-place,  crept  up  the 
portico  gtairs  to  the  back  door,  noiselessly  turned  the  latch, 


BLACK  DONALD  5  LA^T  ATTEMPT. 


471 


entered^  and  closed  it  behind  liim.  He  had  just  time  to 
onen  a  side  door  on  his  right  hand^  and  conceal  himself  in 
a  wood  closet  under  the  stairs-,  when  he  heard  the  footsteps 
of  Old  Hurricane  returning^. 

The  old  man  came  in.  and  Black  Donald  laughed  to 
himself  to  hear  with  what  caution  he  locked,  bolted  and 
barred  the  doors  to  keep  out  house-breakers  I 

Ah-,  old  fellow  I  you  are  fastening  the  stable  after  ihe 
horse  has  been  stolen  I''  said  Black  Donald  todiimself. 

^-^s  soon  as  Old  Hurricane  had  pa.^sed  by  the  closet  in 
which  the  outlaw  was  concealed,  and  had  gone  into  the 
parlor.  Black  Donald  determined  to  risk  the  ascent  into 
Capitola's  chamber.  Prom  the  description  given  by  his 
men,  who  had  once  succeeded  in  finding  their  vray  thither^ 
he  knew  very  wtll  where  to  go. 

Xoiselessly,  therefore^  he  left  his  place  of  concealment, 
and  crept  out  to  reconnoitre  the  hall,  which  he  fotind 
deserted. 

Old  Hurricane's  shawl,  hat  and  walkin2:-stick  were 
deposited  in  one  corner.  In  case  of  being  met  on  the 
way,  he  put  the  hat  on  his  head,  wrapped  the  shawl  around 
his  shotilders,  and  took  the  stick  in  his  hand. 

His  forethought  proved  to  be  serviceable.  He  went 
through  the  hall  and  tip  the  first  flight  of  stairs  without 
interruption  :  but  on  going  along  the  hall  of  the  second 
story  he  met  Mrs.  Condiment  coming  out  of  Old  Hurri- 
cane's room. 

'"''Your  slippers  are  on  the  hearth,  your  gown  is  at  the 
fire  and  the  water  is  boiling  to  make  your  punch,  Major 
TTarfield,"  said  the  old  lady,  in  passing. 

''Umph,  umph,  umph,"'  grunted  Black  Donald  in 
reply. 

The  housekeeper  then  bade  him  good-night,  saying 
that  she  was  going  at  once  to  her  room. 

^^Umph!'-'  assented  Black  Donald.  And  so  they 
parted,  and  this  peril  was  passed. 


4:72  BLACK  DONALD  S  LAST  ATTEMPT. 

Black  Donald  went  np  the  second  flight  of  stairs  aiid 
then  down  a  back  passage  and  a  narrow  staircase  and  along 
a  corridor  and  through  several  untenanted  rooms,  and  into 
another  passage,  and  finally  through  a  side  door  leading 
into  Capitola's  chamber. 

Here  he  looked  around  for  a  safe  hiding-place — there 
was  a  high  bedstead  curtained  ;  two  deep  windows  also  cur- 
tained ;  two  closets ;  a  dressing  bureau,  work  stand,  wash 
stand  and  two  arm-chairs.  The  forethought  of  little  Pitapat 
had  caused  her  to  kindle  a  fire  on  the  hearth  and  place  a 
waiter  of  refreshments  on  the  work  stand,  so  as  to  make  all 
comfortable  before  she  had  left  with  the  other  negroes  to  go 
to  the  banjo  breakdown. 

Among  the  edibles.  Pitapat  had  been  careful  to  leave  a 
small  bottle  of  brandy,  a  pitcher  of  cream,  a  few  eggs  and 
some  spice,  saying  to  herself,  "  Long  as  it  was  Christmas 
times  Miss  Catterpillar  might  want  a  sup  of  egg-nog  quiet  to 
herself,  jes  as  much  as  ole  marse  did  his  whiskey  punch" — 
and  never  fancying  that  her  young  mistress  would  require  a 
more  delicate  lunch  than  her  old  mastei". 

Black  Donald  laughed  as  he  saw  this  outlay,  and  remark- 
ing that  the  young  occupant  of  the  chamber  must  have  an 
appetite  of  her  own,  he  put  the  neck  of  the  brandy  bottle 
to  his  lips  and  took  what  he  called  ^'a  hearty  swig.^' 

Then  vowing  that  old  Hurricane  knew  what  good  liquor 
was,  he  replaced  the  bottle  and  looked  around  to  find  the 
best  place  for  his  concealment. 

He  soon  determined  to  hide  himself  behind  the  thick 
folds  of  the  window  curtain  nearest  the  door,  so  that  imme- 
diately after  the  entrance  of  Capitola  he  could  glide  to  the 
door,  lock  it,  withdraw  the  key  and  have  the  girl  at  once  in 
his  power. 

He  took  a  second  swig  ^'  at  the  brandy  bottle,  and  then 
went  nito  his  place  of  concealment  to  wait  events. 

That  same  honr  Capitola  was  her  nucleus  partner  in  a 
prolonged  game  of  chess.    It  was  near  eleven  o'clock  before 


BLACK  Donald's  last  attempt. 


473 


Cap  heartily  tired  of  the  battle,  permitted  herself  to  be 
beaten  in  order  to  get  to  bed. 

With  a  satisfied  chuckle,  Old  Hurricane  arose  from  his 
seat,  lighted  two  bed-chamber  lamps,  gave  one  to  Capitola, 
took  the  other  himself,  and  started  off  for  his  room,  fol- 
lowed by  Cap  as  far  as  the  head  of  the  first  flight  of  stairs, 
where  she  bade  him  good-night. 

She  waited  until  she  saw  him  enter  his  room,  heard  him 
lock  his  door  ou  the  inside,  and  throw  himself  down  heav- 
ily into  his  arm-chair,  and  then  she  went  on  her  own  way. 

She  hurried  up  the  second  flight  of  stairs,  and  along 
the  narrow  passages,  empty  rooms,  steep  steps,  and  dreary 
halls,  until  she  reached  the  door  of  her  own  dormitory. 

She  turned  the  latch  and  entered  the  room. 

The  first  thing  that  met  her  sight  was  the  waiter  of 
provisions  upon  the  stand.  And  at  this  fresh  instance  of 
her  little  maid's  forethought,  she  burst  into  an  uncontroll- 
able fit  of  laughter. 

.She  did  not  see  a  dark  figure  glide  from  behind  the 
window  curtains,  steal  to  the  door,  turn  the  lock  and  with- 
draw the  key. 

But  still  retaining  her  prejudice  against  the  presence  of 
food  in  her  bed-chamber,  she  lifted  up  the  waiter  in  both 
hands  to  carry  it  out  into  the  passage,  turned  and  stood 
face  to  face  with — Black  Donald  1 


474 


THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


CHAPTER  XLIX. 

THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 

"Out  of  this  nettle,  danger, 
I'll  pluck  the  flower,  safety  !" — Shakespeare. 

Capitola's  blood  seemed  to  turn  to  ice,  and  her  form  to 
Btone  at  the  sight  !  Her  first  impulse  was  to  scream  and 
let  fall  the  waiter !  She  controlled  herself  and  repressed 
the  scream,  though  she  was  very  near  dropping  the  waiter. 

Black  Donald  looked  at  her  and  laughed  aloud  at  her 
consternation,  saying  with  a  chuckle  : 

You  did  not  expect  to  see  me  here  to-night,  did  you 
now,  my  dear  T' 

She  gazed  at  him  in  a  silent  panic  for  a  moment. 

Then  her  faculties,  that  had  been  suddenly  dispersed 
by  the  shock,  as  suddenly  rallied  to  her  rescue. 

In  one  moment  she  understood  her  real  position. 

Black  Douald'  had  locked  her  in  with  himself,  and  held 
the  key  ;  so  she  could  not  hope  to  get  out. 

The  loudest  scream  that  she  might  utter  would  never 
reach  the  distant  chamber  of  Major  Warfield,  or  the  still 
more  remote  apartment  of  Mrs.  Condiment ;  so  she  could 
not  hope  to  bring  any  one  to  her  assistance. 

She  was  therefore  entirely  in  the  power  of  Black 
Donald.  She  fully  comprehended  this,  and  said  to  her- 
self : 

Now,  my  dear  Cap,  if  you  don^t  look  sharp  your  hour 
is  come  !  Nothing  on  earth  will  save  you,  Cap,  but  your 
own  wits  !  for  if  ever  I  saw  mischief  in  any  one's  face,  it  is 
in  that  fellow^s  that  is  eating  you  up  with  his  great  eyes  at 
the  same  time  that  he  is  laughing  at  you  with  his  big 
mouth  !    Now,  Cap,  my  little  man,  be  a  woman !  don't 


TH25  AWFtrL  PERIL  OF  CAi'ITOLA. 


4Y5 


jou  stick  at  trifles  !  Think  of  Jael  and  Sisera  I  Think  of 
Judith  and  Holofcrnes  I  And  the  devil  and  Doctor  Faust, 
if  necessary,  and  don't  you  blench  I  All  stratagems  are 
fair  in  love  and  war — especially  in  war,  and  most  espL-cially 
in  such  a  war  as  this  is  likely  to  be — a  contest  in  close 
quarters  for  dear  life  I'^ 

All  this  passed  through  her  mind  in  one  moment,  and 
in  the  next  her  plan  was  formed. 

Setting  her  waiter  down  upon  the  table,  and  throwing 
herself  into  one  of  the  arm-chairs,  she  said  : 

Well,  upon  my  word,  I  think  a  gentleman  might  let  a 
lady  know  when  he  means  to  pay  her  a  domiciliary  visit  at 
midnight  I'' 

^'Upon  mi/ Old  J  /  think  you  are  very  cool  P  replied 
Black  Donald,  throwing  himself  into  the  second  arni-cliair 
on  the  other  side  of  the  stand  of  refreshments. 

^'  People  are  likely  to  be  cool  on  a  December  night,  with 
the  thermometer  at  zero,  and  the  ground  three  feet  under 
the  snow,''  said  Cap,  nothing  daunted. 

"  Cap: tola,  I  admire  you  !  You  are  a  cucumler.  That's 
what  you  are,  a  cucumler ^ 

A  pickled  one  ?"  asked  Cap. 

''Yes  !  and  as  pickled  cucumbers  are  good  to  give  one 
an  appetite,  I  think  I  shall  fall  to  and  eat." 

''Do  so,"  said  Cap,  "for  Heaven  forbid  that  I  should 
fail  in  hospitality.'* 

"  Why,  really,  this  looks  as  though  you  had  expected  a 
visitor — doesn't  it  asked  Black  Donald,  helping  himself 
to  a  huge  slice  of  ham,  and  stretching  his  feet  out  towards 
the  fire. 

"Well,  yes,  rather  ;  though,  to  say  the  truth,  it  was  not 
your  reverence  I  expected,"  said  Cap. 

'^  Ah  !  somebody  else's  reverence,  eh  ?  Well,  let  them 
come  I  I'll  be  ready  for  them  I*'  said  the  outlaw,  pouring 
out  and  quaffing  a  large  glass  of  brandy.  He  drank  it,  set 
down  the  glass,  and  turning  to  our  little  heroine,  inquired  : 


476  THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPlTOLA. 

^'  Capitola,  did  you  ever  have  Craven  Le  Noir  here  to 
supper  with  you 

You  insult  me  !    I  scorn  to  reply     said  Cap. 

"  Whe-ew  !  what  long  whiskers  our  Grimalkin^s  got  ! 
You  scorn  to  reply  !  Then  you  really  are  not  afraid  of 
me  ?"  asked  the  robber,  rolling  a  great  piece  of  cheese  in 
his  mouth. 

"  Afraid  of  you  ? — No,  I  guess  not"  replied  Cap,  with 
a  toss  of  her  head. 

"  Yet,  I  might  do  you  some  harm/^ 

''But  you  wonV 

''  Why  won't  IJ' 

*'  Because  it  won't  pay.*' 

''Why  won't  it  ?" 

"Because  you  couldn't  do  me  any  harm,  unless  you 
were  to  kill  me,  and  you  would  gain  nothing  by  my  death, 
except  a  few  trinkets  that  you  may  have  without." 

'*  Then,  you  are  really  not  afraid  of  me  ?"  he  asked, 
taking  another  deep  draught  of  brandy. 

"  Not  a  bit  of  it — I  rather  like  you." 

"Come,  now,  you're  running  a  rig  upon  a  fellow,"  said 
the  outlaw,  winking,  and  depositing  a  huge  chunk  of  bread 
in  his  capacious  jaws. 

"  No,  indeed  !  I  liked  you  long  before  I  saw  you  !  I 
always  did  like  people  that  made  other  people's  hair  stand 
on  end  !  Don't  you  remember  when  you  first  came  here 
disguised  as  a  peddler,  though  I  did  not  know  who  you 
were,  when  we  were  talking  of  Black  Donald,  and  every- 
body was  abnsing  him,  except  myself,  I  took  his  part,  and 
said  that,  for  my  part,  I  Ulced  Black  Donald,  and  wanted  to 
see  him  ?" 

"  Sure  enough,  my  jewel,  so  you  did  !  and  didn't  I 
bravely  risk  my  life,  by  throwing  off  my  disguise,  to  gratify 
your  laudable  wish  ?" 

"  So  you  did,  my  hero  !" 

"  Ah^  but,  well  as  you  liked  me,  the  moment  you  thought 


THE  AWBUL  PEEIL  OF  CAPITOLA.  47? 

me  in  your  power^  didn't  you  leap  upon  my  shoulders  like 
a  catamount^  and  cling  there,  shouting  to  all  the  world  to 
come  and  help  you,  for  that  you  had  caught  Black  Donald, 
and  would  die,  before  you  would  give  him  up  ?  Ah  I  you 
little  vampire,  how  you  thirsted  for  my  blood  I  And  yoic 
pretended  to  like  me  V  said  Black  Donald,  eyeing  herfrom 
head  to  foot,  with  a  sly  leer. 

Cap  returned  the  look  with  interest.  Dropping  her  head 
on  one  side,  she  glanced  upwards,  from  the  corner  of  her 
eye,  with  an  expression  of  ^'  infinite  humor,  mischief  and 
roguery,  saying  : 

Lor  !  didn't  you  know  why  I  did  that?" 
'^Because  you  wanted  me  captured,  I  suppose.''^ 

No,  indeed,  but,  because  " 

Well,  what  r 

Because — I  wanted  you  to  carry  me  off  V 
"  Well,  I  declare,  I  never  thought  of  that     said  the 
outlaw,  dropping  his  bread  and  cheese,  and  staring  at  the 
young  girl. 

''Well,  you  77iig7it  have  thought  of  it  then  !  I  was  tired 
of  hum-drum  life,  and  I  wanted  to  see  adventures  I'"  said 
Cap. 

Black  Donald  looked  at  the  mad  girl  from  head  to  foot, 
and  then  said,  coolly  : 

'''Miss  Black,  I  am  afraid  you  are  not  good.-'' 

^'  Yes  I  am — before  folks  1''  said  Cap. 

"  And  so  you  really  wished  me  to  carry  you  off.-" 

"I  should  think  so!  didn't  I  stick  to  you  until  you 
dropped  me  ?'*^ 

"Certainly;  and  now  if  you  really  like  me  as  well  as 
you  say  you  do  come  give  me  a  kiss." 

"I  won't  I"  said  Cap,  "  until  you  have  done  your  supper 
and  washed  your  face.    Your  beard  is  full  of  crumbs  !" 

"  Yery  well,  I  can  vrait  awhile  !  meantime  just  brew 
me  a  bowl  of  egg-nog,  by  way  of  a  night-cap,  will  you  ?" 


tH325  AWFtJL  PEKir.  OF  CAPITOLA, 


said  the  outlaw,  drawing  off  his  boots  and  stretching  hia 
legs  to  the  fire. 

'''Agreed;  but  it  takes  two  to  make  egg-nog;  you'll 
have  to  whisk  up  the  whites  of  the  eggs  into  a  froth,  while 
I  beat  the  yellows,  and  mix  the  other  ingredients,"  said 
Cap. 

Just  so,"  assented  the  outlaw,  standing  up  and  taking 
off  his  coat,  and  flinging  it  upon  the  floor. 

Cap  shuddered,  but  went  on  calmly  with  her  prepara- 
tions. There  were  two  little  white  bowls  sitting  one  within 
the  other  upon  the  table.  Cap  took  them  apart  and  set 
them  side  by  side  and  began  to  break  the  eggs,  letting  the 
white  slip  into  one  bowl  and  dropping  the  yellow  into  the 
other. 

Black  Donald  sat  down  in  his  shirt-sleeves,  took  one  of 
the  bowls  from  Capitola  and  began  to  whisk  up  the  whites 
with  all  his  might  and  main. 

Capitola  beat  up  the  j^ellows,  gradually  mixing  the 
sugar  with  it.  In  the  course  of  her  work  she  complained 
that  the  heat  of  the  fire  scorched  her  face,  and  she  drew 
her  chair  farther  towards  the  corner  of  the  chimney,  and 
pulled  the  stand  after  her. 

"  Oh  !  you  are  trying  to  get  away  from  me,"  said  Black 
Donald,  hitching  his  own  chair  in  the  same  direction,  close 
to  the  stand,  so  that  he  sat  immediately  in  front  of  the  fire- 
place. 

Cap  smiled,  and  went  on  beating  her  eggs  and  sugar 
together.  Then  she  stirred  in  the  brandy  and  poured  in 
the  milk,  and  took  the  bowl  from  Black  Donald,  and  laid 
on  the  foam.  Finally,  she  filled  a  goblet  with  the  rich 
compound  and  handed  it  to  her  uncanny  guest. 

Black  Donald  untied  his  neck  cloth,  threw  it  upon  the 
floor,  and  sipped  his  Qgg-nog,  all  the  while  looking  over 
the  top  of  the  glass  at  Capitola. 

''  Miss  Black,"  he  said,  it  must  be  past  twelve 
o'clock." 


THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


479 


^' I  suppose  it  is,"  said  Cap. 
Then  it  miisi  be  long  past  your  usual  lionr  of  retir- 
ing."'" 

Of  course  it  is/'^  said  Cap. 
Then  what  are  you  waiting  for  T' 
For  my  company  to  go  home/"'  replied  Cap. 
Meaning  me 
Cleaning  you.'^ 
"  0\i,  don't  mind  me^  my  dear."' 
Very  well, said  Cap^   '•'I  shall  not  tronble  myself 
about  you,"  and  her  tones  were  steady  though  her  heart 
seemed  tnrned  into  a  ball  of  ice  through  terror. 

Black  Douald  went  on  slow-y  sipping  his  egg-nog,  filling 
up  his  goblet  when  it  was  empty,  and  lo  'ked  at  C\ip:tola 
orer  the  top  uf  his  glass.    At  last  he  said  : 
'''I  have  been  wa'chiug  yon,  Miss  Black. ■'^ 
Little  need  to  tell  me  that,-"  said  Cap. 
And  I  have  been  readins:  tou.'* 
TTell,  I  hope  the  page  was  entertaining." 
Well — yes,  my  dear,  it  was,  rather  so.    But  why  don't 
you  proceed 

Proceed — witb  what  ?'"" 

With  what  yon  are  thinking  of,  my  darling/^ 
I  don't  nnderstand  yon/'' 

Why  don't  you  olf-r  to  go  down  stairs  and  bring  up 
some  lemons  ?"' 

■  ■'  Oh,  I Ti  go  in  a  moment,^'  said  Cap,     if  you  wish." 

''Ha — h.a — ha — ha — ha  !  Of  course  yon  v.\l!.  darl- 
ing I  and  yonVi  deliver  me  into  the  hands  of  the  Ph:l:^::ncs, 
just  as  yon  did  my  poor  men  when  yoir  fooled  tliLm  ab'^irt 
the  victuals  I  I  know  yonr  tricks,  arid  all  your  acting  has  no 
other  effect  on  me  than  to  make  me  admire  y:  r^  ■  n  lerful 
coolness  and  courage  ;  so,  my  dear,  stop  puzzlir.  ;  ;  r  little 
head  with  schemes  to  baffle  me.  Yon  arc  1:1;:  :1. raged 
starling!    You — can't — get — ont !"'  chuckled  Black  Don- 


480 


THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


aid,  hitching  his  chair  nearer  to  hers.  He  was  now  right 
upon  the  centre  of  the  rug. 

Capitola  turned  very  pale,  but  not  with  fear,  though 
Black  Donald  thought  she  did,  and  roared  with  laughter. 

"  Have  you  done  your  supper  she  asked,  with  a  sort 
of  awful  calmness. 

Yes,  my  duck,^'  replied  the  outlaw,  pouring  the  last 
of  the  egg-nog  into  his  goblet,  drinking  it  at  a  draught, 
and  chuckling  as  he  set  down  the  glass. 

Capitola  then  lifted  the  stand  with  the  refreshments  to 
remove  it  to  its  usual  place. 

*^What  are  you  going  to  do,  my  dear  ?"  asked  Black 
Donald. 

*^  Clear  away  the  things  and  set  the  room  in  order, said 
Capitola,  in  the  same  awfully  calm  tone. 

A  nice  little  housewife  you'll  make,  my  duck  \"  said 
Black  Donald. 

Capitola  set  the  stand  in  its  corner,  and  then  removed 
her  own  arm-chair  to  its  place  before  the  bressing-bureau. 

!N"othing  now  remained  upon  the  rug  except  Black  Donald 
seated  in  the  arm-chair. 

Capitola  paused  ;  her  blood  seemed  freezing  in  her  veins  ; 
her  heart  beat  thickly ;  her  throat  was  choked  ;  her  head 
full  nearly  to  bursting,  and  her  eyes  were  veiled  by  a  blind- 
ing film. 

Come,  come,  my  duck — make  haste  ;  it  is  late  ;  haven't 
you  done  setting  the  room  in  order  yet  said  Black  Donald, 
impatiently. 

'^In  one  moment,"  said  Capitola,  coming  behind  his 
chair  and  leaning  upon  the  back  of  it. 

Donald,"  she  said,  with  dreadful  calmness,  ^'I  will 
not  call  you  Blach  Donald  !  I  will  call  you  as  your  poor 
mother  did,  when  your  young  soul  was  as  white  as  your 
skin,  before  she  ever  dreamed  her  boy  would  grow  black 
with  crime.  I  will  call  you  simply  Donald,  and  entreat  you 
to  hear  me  for  a  few  minutes," 


THE  AWrUL  PEIilL  OF  CAPITOL  A. 


481 


Talk  ou^  tlien^  but  talk  fasfc^  and  leave  my  motlier 
alone.  Let  tlie  dead  rest  I''  exclaimed  the  outlaw^  with  a 
violent  convulsion  of  his  bearded  chin  and  lip  that  did  not 
escape  the  notice  of  Capitola,  who  hoped  some  good  of  this 
betrayal  of  feeling. 

^'^  Donald/^  sbe  said^.  men  call  you  a  man  of  blood  ; 
they  say  that  your  hand  is  red  and  your  soul  black  with 
crime." 

They  may  say  what  they  like  ;  I  care  not,"  laughed 
the  outlaw. 

'^^But  1  do  not  believe  all  this  of  you.  I  believe  that 
there  is  good  in  all,  and  much  good  in  you  ;  that  there  is 
hope  for  all,  and  strong  hope  for  you." 

^'  Bosli  I  stop  talking  poetry  I  ^Taint  in  my  line,  nor 
yours  either  I"  laughed  Black  Donald. 

But  truth  is  in  all  our  lines.  Donald  !  I  repeat  it, 
men  call  you  a  man  of  blood  !  They  say  that  your  hands 
are  red  and  your  soul  black  with  sin.  Blade  Donald  they 
call  you  I  But,  Donald,  you  have  never  yet  stained  your 
soul  with  a  crime  as  black  as  that  which  you  think  of  per- 
petrating to-night  I" 

It  must  be  near  one  o'clock,  and  I'm  tired,"  replied 
the  outlaw,  with  a  3^awn. 

^'^All  your  former  acts,"  continued  Capitola,  in  the 
same  voice  of  awful  calmness,  ''^have  been  those  of  a  bold, 
bad  man  !  this  act  would  be  that  of  a  hase  one  I" 

"  Take  care,  girl  !  no  bad  names  !  You  are  in  my 
power  I  at  my  mercy  !" 

I  know  my  position  ;  but  I  must  continue.  Hitlierto 
you  have  robbed  mail-coaches  and  broken  into  rich  men's 
houses.  In  doing  thus,  you  have  always  boldly  risked  your 
life,  often  at  such  fearful  odds  that  men  have  trembled  at 
their  firesides  to  hear  of  it.  And  even  women,  while 
dej^loring  your  crimes,  have  admired  your  courage." 

'^I  thank  'em  kindly  for  it.  TTomen  always  like  men 
with  a  spice  of  the  devil  in  them,"  laughed  the  outlaw. 


482 


THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


^^1^0,  they  do  not/'  said  Capitola,  gravely  ;  they  like 
men  of  strength,  courage,  and  spirit — but  those  qualities 
do  not  come  from  the  Evil  One,  but  from  the  Lord,  who  is 
the  giver  of  all  good.  Your  Creator,  Donald,  gave  you  the 
strength,  courage,  and  spirit  that  all  men  and  women  so 
much  admire  ;  but  he  did  not  give  you  these  great  powers 
that  you  might  use  them  in  the  service  of  his  enemy,  the 
devil/' 

I  declare  there  is  really  something  in  that — I  never 
thought  of  that  before.'' 

Nor  ever  thought,  perhaps,  that  however  misguided 
you  may  have  been,  there  is  really  something  great  and 
good  in  yourself  that  might  yet  be  used  for  the  good  of 
man  and  the  glory  of  God,"  said  Capitola,  solemnly. 

Ha-ha-ha  !  Oh,  you  flatterer.  Come — have  you 
done  ?  I  tell  you  it  is  after  one  o'clock,  and  I  am  tired  to 
death." 

"  Donald,  in  all  your  former  acts  of  lawlessness  your 
antagonists  were  strong  men  ;  and  as  you  boldly  risked  your 
life  in  your  depredations,  your  acts,  though  bad,  were  not 
base.  But  now  your  antagonist  is  a  feeble  girl,  who  has 
been  unfortunate  from  her  very  birth — to  destroy  her  would 
be  an  act  of  baseness  to  which  you  never  yet  descended." 

Bosh  !  who  talks  of  destruction  ?  I  am  tired  of  all 
this  nonsense.  I  mean  to  carry  you  off,  and  there's  an  end 
of  it,"  said  the  outlaw,  doggedly  rising  from  his  seat. 

Stop  !"  said  Capitola,  turning  ashen  pale — ''stojD,  sit 
down  and  hear  me  for  just  five  minutes ;  I  will  not  tax  your 
patience  longer." 

The  robber,  with  a  loud  faugh,  sank  again  into  his 
chair,  saying  : 

"Very  well;  talk  on  for  just  five  minutes  and  not  a 
single  second  longer ;  but  if  you  think  in  that  time  to  per- 
suade me  to  leave  this  room  to-night  without  you,  you  are 
widely  out  of  your  reckoiing,  my  duck,  tliat's  all." 

"  Donald,  do  not  sink  your  soul  to  perdition  by  a  crime 


THE  AWFUL  PEKIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


483 


that  Heaven  cannot  pardon.  Listen  to  me  ;  I  have  jewels 
here  worth  several  thousand  dollars.  If  you  will  consent 
to  go,  I  will  give  them  all  to  you,  and  let  you  quietly  out 
of  the  front  door,  and  never  say  one  word  to  mortal  of  what 
has  passed  here  to-night." 

"  Ha-ha-ha  !  why,  my  dear,  how  green  you  must  think 
me  !  What  hinders  me  from  possessing  myself  of  your 
jewels  as  well  as  yourself  said  Black  Donald,  impatiently 
rising. 

^'^SiT  STILL  !  the  five  minutes^  grace  are  not  half  out 
yet  V  said  Oapitola,  in  a  breathless  voice. 

So  they  are  not !  I  will  keep  my  promise  replied 
Black  Donald — laughing,  and  again  dropping  into  his  seat. 

Donald,  uncle  pays  me  a  quarterly  sum  for  pocket- 
money,  which  is  at  least  five  times  as  much  as  I  can  spend 
in  this  quiet  country  place.  It  has  been  accumulating  for 
years  until  now  I  have  several  thousand  dollars  all  of  my 
own.  You  shall  have  it  if  you  will  only  go  quietly  away  and 
leave  me  in  peace  \"  prayed  Oapitola. 

"  My  dear,  I  intend  to  take  that  anyhow  !  take  it  as  your 
bridal  dower,  you  know.  For  I'm  going  to  carry  you  off 
and  make  an  honest  wife  of  you  !" 

"  Dois  ALD,  give  up  this  heinous  purpose  \"  cried  Oapi- 
tola, in  an  agony  of  supplication,  as  she  leant  over  the  back 
of  the  outlaw^s  chair. 

Yes,  you  know  I  will  !  ha — ha — ha  laughed  the 
robber. 

Man,  for  your  own  sake  give  it  up  V* 
"  Ha-ha-ha  !  for  my  sake  V 

'^Yes,  for  yours!  Black  Donald,  have  you  ever  re- 
flected on  death  asked  Oapitola,  in  a  low  and  terrible 
voice. 

I  have  risked  it  often  enough  ;  but  as  to  reflecting 
upon  it,  it  will  be  time  enough  to  do  tliat  when  it  comes.  I 
am  a  powerful  man,  in  the  prime  and  pride  of  life,'^  said  the 
athlete,  stretching  himself  exultingly. 


484: 


THE  AWFUL  PERIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


Yet  it  might  come  !  death  might  come  with  sudden, 
overwhelming  power  and  hurl  you  to  destruction.  What 
a  terrible  thing  for  this  magnificent  frame  of  yours,  this 
glorious  handiwork  of  the  Creator,  to  be  hurled  to  swift 
destruction,  and  for  the  soul  that  animates  it  to  be  cast 
into  hell  V 

"Bosh,  again  !  that  is  a  subject  for  the  pulpit,  not  for 
a  pretty  girl's  room.  If  you  really  think  me  such  a  hand- 
some man,  why  don't  you  go  with  me  at  once  and  say  no 
more  about  it,''  roared  the  outlaw,  laughing. 

"  Black  Donald — will  you  leave  my  room  !"  cried 
Oapitola,  in  an  agony  of  prayer. 

"  JSTo,"  answered  the  outlaw,  mocking  her  tone. 
Is  there  no  inducement  that  I  can  hold  out  to  you  to 
leave  me  ?" 

Capitola  raised  herself  from  her  leaning  posture,  took 
a  step  backward  so  that  she  stood  entirely  free  from  the 
trap-door ;  then  slipping  her  foot  under  the  rug,  she  placed 
it  lightly  on  the  spring-bolt  which  she  was  careful  not  to 
press ;  the  ample  fall  of  her  dress  concealed  the  position  of 
her  foot. 

Capitola  was  now  paler  than  a  corpse,  for  hers  was  the 
pallor  of  a  living  horror  !  Her  heart  beat  violently,  her 
head  throbbed,  her  voice  was  broken  as  she  said  : 

"  Man,  I  will  give  you  one  more  chance.  Oh,  man, 
pity  yourself  as  I  pity  you,  and  consent  to  leave  me." 

"  Ha-ha-ha  !  it  is  quite  likely  that  I  will !  isn't  it  now  ? 
No,  my  duck  !  I  haven't  watched  and  j)lanned  for  this 
chance  for  this  long  time  past  to  give  it  up  now  that  you 
are  in  my  power.  A  likely  story,  indeed  !  And  now  the 
five  minutes'  grace  are  quite  up." 

'^Stop!  don't  move  yet!  before  you  stir  sa}^,  'Lord 
have  mercy  on  me  !'  "  said  Capitola,  solemnly. 

Ha-ha-ha  !  tlia  fs  a  pretty  idea  !  why  should  I  say 
that  ?" 


THE  AWFUL  PEKIL  OF  CAPITOLA. 


4S5 


"  Say  it  to  please  me  !  only  say  it^  Black  Donald  I"^ 

^'Biit  iL'hij  to  please  yoa  T' 
Because  I  wish  not  to  kill  botli  yonr  body  and  soul  I 
because  I  would  not  send  yon  prayerless  into  the  presence 
of  your  Creator  I  for,  Black  Donald,  within  a  fey>^  seconds 
your  body  will  be  hurled  to  swift  destruction,  and  your 
soul  will  stand  before  the  bar  of  God  I'"  said  Capitola,  with 
her  foot  upon  the  spring  of  the  concealed  trap. 

She  bad  scarcely  ceased  speaking  before  he  bounded  to 
his  feet,  wliirled  around,  and  confronted  lier_,  like  a  lion  at 
bay,  roaring  forth  : 

You  have  a  revolver  there,  girl  I  move  a  finger  and  I 
shall  throw  myself  on  you  like  an  avalanche  I"' 

"I  have  no  revolver  !  watch  my  hands  as  I  take  them 
forth  and  see  I'^  said  Capitol  a,  stretching  her  arms  out 
towards  him. 

"What  do  you  mean,  then^  by  your  talk  of  suddeii 
destruction  V'  inquired  Black  Donald^  in  a  voice  of  thun- 
der. 

"I  mean  that  it  hangs  over  you  I  that  it  is  imminent  I 
that  it  is  not  to  be  cscajDcd  I  Oh,  man,  call  on  Cod,  for  you 
have  not  a  minute  to  live  \" 

The  outlaw  gazed  on  her  in  astonishment. 

l^ell  he  might,  for  there  she  stood,  paler  than  marble  I 
sterner  than  fate  I  with  no  look  of  human  feeling  about  her 
but  the  gloaming  light  of  her  terrible  eyes,  and  the  beading 
svreat  upon  her  death-like  brow. 

For  an  instant  the  outlaw  gazed  on  her  in  consternation, 
and  then  recovering  himself,  be  burst  into  a  loud  laugh, 
exclaiming  : 

Ha-ha-ha  !  "Well,  I  suppose  this  is  what  people  would 
call  a  piece  of  splendid  acting.  Do  you  expect  to  frighten 
me,  my  dear,  as  you  did  Cr^iven  Le  Xoir,  with  the  peas  I'* 

Say — ^Lord  have  mercy  on  my  soul,^  say  it  Black 
Donald,  say  it,  I  beseech  you  I'^  she  prayed. 

Ha-ha-ha^  my  dear  !  ^jou  may  say  it  for  me  !  and  to 


486 


THE  NEXT  MORNING. 


reward  yon,  I  will  give  you — such  a  hiss  !  it  will  pnfc  life 
into  those  marble  cheeks  of  yours  V  he  laughed. 

'^I  loill  say  it  for  you  !  May  the  Lord  pity  aud  save 
Black  Donald^s  soul,  if  that  be  yet  possible,  for  the  Sav- 
iour^s  sake  \"  prayed  Capitola,  in  a  broken  voice,  with  her 
foot  upon  the  concealed  and  fatal  spring. 

He  laughed  aloud,  and  stretched  forth  his  arms  to  clasp 
her. 

She  pressed  the  spring. 

The  drop  fell  with  a  tremendous  crash  ! 

The  outlaw  shot  downwards  !  There  was  an  instant's 
vision  of  a  white  and  panic-stricken  face,  and  wild  uplifted 
hands  as  he  disappeared,  and  then  a  square,  black  opening 
was  all  that  remained  where  the  terrible  intruder  had  sat. 

No  sight  or  sound  came  up  from  that  horrible  pit  to 
hint  of  the  secrets  of  the  prison  house. 

One  shuddering  glance  at  the  awful  void,  and  then 
Capitola  turned  and  threw  herself,  face  downwards,  upon 
the  bed,  not  daring  to  rejoice  in  the  safety  that  had  been 
purchased  by  such  a  dreadful  deed,  feeling  that  it  was  an 
awful,  though  a  complete  victory  ! 


CHAPTER  L. 

THE  NEXT  MOKKINO. 

"  Oh,  such  a  day 
So  fought,  so  followed  and  so  tairly  won 
Came  not  till  now  to  dignify  the  times, 

Since  Csesar's  fortunes."      — Shakespeare. 

Capitola  lay  upon  the  bed,  with  her  face  buried  in  the 
pillow,  the  greater  portion  of  the  time  from  two  o'clock 
until  day.    An  uncontrollable  horror  prevented  her  fj'Qm 


THE  NEXT  MORXIN'G. 


4-7 


turning  lest  she  should  see  the  yawning  mystery  in  the 
middle  of  the  floor,  or  hear  some  awful  sonnd  from  its  un- 
known depths.  The  very  shaduws  on  the  walls  thrown  up 
wildly  by  the  expiring  firelight,  were  objects  of  grotesque 
terror.  Xever,  never,  in  the  whole  youth  of  strange  yicis- 
situde,  had  the  nerves  of  this  brave  girl  been  so  tremen- 
dously shaken  and  prostrated. 

It  was  late  in  the  morning  when  at  last  nature  suc- 
cumbed, and  she  sank  into  a  deep  sleep.  She  had  not  slept 
long  when  she  was  aroused  from  a  profound  state  of  insensi- 
bility by  a  loud,  impatient  knocking  at  her  door. 

She  started  up  wildly  and  gazed  around  her.  For  a 
minute  she  could  not  remember  what  were  the  circum- 
stances under  which  she  had  lain  down,  or  what  was  that 
vague  feeling  of  horror  and  alarm  that  possessed  her. 
Then  the  yawning  trap-door,  the  remnants  of  the  supper, 
and  Black  Donald's  coat,  hat  and  boots  upon  the  floor, 
drove  in  upon  her  reeling  brain  the  memory  of  the  night 
of  terror  ! 

The  knocking  continued  more  loudly  and  impatiently, 
accompanied  by  the  voice  of  ]\Irs.  Condiment,  crying  : 

Miss  Capitola  I  Miss  Capitola  !  why,  what  can  be  the 
matter  with  her  ? — Mi?s  Capitola 

'^Ehl  what?  yes  I"^  answered  Capitola,  pressing  her 
hands  to  her  feverish  forehead,  and  putting  back  her  dis- 
heveled hair. 

Why,  how  soundly  you  sleep,  my  dear  !  I've  been  call- 
ing and  rapping  here  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  I  Good  gTa- 
cious,  child,  what  made  you  oversleep  yourseK  so  V 

I — did  not  get  to  bed  till  very  late,''''  said  Capitola, 
confusedly. 

^•'T^ell,  well,  my  dear,  make  haste  now,- your  uncle  is 
none  of  the  patientest,  and  he  has  been  waiting  breakfast 
for  some  time  I  Come,  open  the  door  and  I  will  help  you 
to  dress,  so  that  you  may  be  ready  sooner. ■'•' 

Capitola  rose  from  the  side  of  the  bed,  where  she  had 


4'88 


THE  NEXT  MORNING. 


been  sitting,  and  went  cautiously  around  that  gaping  trap- 
door to  her  chamber-door,  when  she  missed  the  key,  and 
suddenly  remembered  that  it  had  been  in  Black  Donald^s 
pocket  when  he  fell.  A  shudder  thrilled  her  frame  at  the 
thought  of  that  horrible  fall. 

^'  Well,  well.  Miss  Capitola,  why  don^t  you  open  the 
door     cried  the  old  lady,  impatiently. 

*^Mrs.  Condiment,  I  have  lost  the  key — dropped  it 
down  the  trap-door.  Please  ask  uncle  to  send  for  some 
one  to  take  the  lock  off — and  don^t  wait  breakfast  for  me." 

Well,  I  do  think  that  was  very  careless,  my  dear ;  but 
I'll  go  at  once,"  said  the  old  lady,  moving  away. 

She  had  not  been  gone  more  than  ten  minutes,  when 
Old  Hurricane  was  heard,  coming  blustering  along  the 
hall,  and  calling  : 

What  now,  you  imp  of  Satan  ?  What  mischief  have 
you  been  at  now  ?  Opening  the  trap-door,  you  mischievous 
monkey  !  I  wish  from  the  bottom  of  my  soul  you  had 
fallen  into  it,  and  I  should  have  got  rid  of  one  trial  ! 
Losing  your  key,  you  careless  baggage  '  I've  a  great 
mind  to  leave  you  locked  up  there  for  evei." 

Thus  scolding,  Old  Hurricane  reached  the  spot,  and 
began  to  ply  screw-drivers  and  chisels  until  at  length  the 
strong  lock  yielded,  and  he  opened  the  door. 

There  a  vision  met  his  eyes  that  arrested  his  steps  upon 
the  very  threshold  ;  the  remains  of  a  bacchanalian  supper  ; 
a  man's  coat  and  hat  and  boots  upon  the  floor ;  in  the 
midst  of  the  room  the  great,  square,  black  opening ;  and 
beyond  it,  standing  upon  the  hearth,  the  form  of  Capitola, 
with  disordered  dress,  dishevelled  hair,  and  wild  aspect. 

Oh,  uncle,  see  what  I  have  been  obliged  to  do  \"  she 
exclaimed,  extending  both  her  arms  down  towards  the 
opening  with  a  look  of  blended  horror  and  inspiration, 
such  as  might  have  sat  upon  the  countenance  of  some 
sacrificial  priestess  of  the  olden  time. 


THE  NEXT  MORXIXG. 


What — what — what  cried  the  old  man_,  nearly  dumb 
with  amazement. 

"  Black  Donald  was  in  my  room  last  night  ;  he  stole 
from  his  concealment  and  locked  the  door  on  the  inside, 
and  Avithdrew  the  key^  thus  locking-  me  in  Avith  himself, 

and  "  she  ceased  and  struck  both  hands  to  her  face, 

shuddering  from  head  to  foot. 

Go  ox,  TtIrl  r  thundered  Old  Hurricane,  in  an 
agony  of  anxiety. 

— ^'1  escaped  harmless  I  oh,  I  did,  sir,  but  at  what  a 
fearful  price  \" 

Explain  !  Explain  \"  cried  Old  Hurricane,  in  breath- 
less agitation. 

^^I  drew  him  to  sit  upon  the  chair  on  the  rug,  and — 
again  she  shuddered  from  head  to  foot — and  I  sj^rung  the 
trap  and  precipitated  him  to — oh,  Heaven  of  Heavens  I 
where  ? — I  know  not  V 

But  you — you  were  unharmed 
•   ^^Yes,  yesr 

Oh,  Cap  !  Oh,  my  dear  Cap  !  Thank  Heaven  for 
tliat  !" 

But,  uncle,  where — oh,  where  did  he  go  inquired 
Capitol  a,  almost  wildly. 

^•AVho  tiie  demon  cares  ?  To  perdition,  I  hope  and 
trust,  with  all  my  heart  and  soul  I''  cried  Old  Hurricane, 
with  emphasis,  as  he  approached  and  looked  down  the 
opening. 

Uncle,  what  is  below  there  T'  asked  Capitola,  anx- 
iously pointing  down  the  abyss. 

An  old  cellar,  as  I  have  told  you  long  ago,  and  Black 
Donald,  as  you  have  just  told  me.  Hillo  theke  !  are  you 
killed,  as  you  deserve  to  be,  you  atrocious  villain  ?"  roared 
Old  Hurricane,  stooping  down  into  the  opening 
A  feeble,  distant  moan  answered  him. 
^^Oh,  heaven  I  he  is  living  I  he  is  living  I  I  have  not 
killed  him  !"  cried  Capitola,  clasping  her  hands. 


490 


THE  NEXT  MORNING. 


Why,  I  do  believe  you  are  glad  of  ifc  \"  exclaimed  Old 
Hurricane,  in  astonishment. 

Oh,  yes,  yes,  yes  !  for  it  was  a  fearful  thought  that  I 
had  been  compelled  to  take  a  sacred  life  !  to  send  an  im- 
mortal soul  unprepared  to  its  account  V 

Well !  his  neck  isn^t  broken,  it  appears,  or  he  couldn't 
groan  ;  but  I  hope  and  trust  that  every  other  bone  in  his 
body  is  !  Mrs.  Condiment,  mum  !  Til  trouble  you  to  put 
on  your  bonnet  and  walk  over  to  Ezy's  and  tell  him  to 
come  here  directly  !  I  must  send  for  the  constable, said 
Old  Hurricane,  going  to  the  door  and  speaking  to  his 
housekeeper,  who,  with  an  appalled  countenance,  had  been 
a  silent  spectator  of  all  that  had  passed. 

As  soon  as  the  old  woman  had  gone  to  do  her  errand  he 
turned  again,  and  stooping  down  the  hole,  exclaimed  : 

I  say,  you  scoundrel  down  there  !  What  do  you  think 
of  yourself  now?  Are  you  much  hurt,  5^ou  knave  ?  Is 
every  one  of  your  bones  broken,  as  they  deserve  to  be,  you 
villain  ?    Answer  me,  you  varlet  \" 

A  low,  deep  moan  was  the  only  response. 

If  that  means  yes,  I'm  glad  to  hear  it,  you  wretch. 
You'll  go  to  the  camp-meeting  with  us  again,  won't  you, 
you  knave  !  You'll  preach  against  evil  passions  and  profane 
swearing,  looking  right  straiglit  at  me  all  the  time,  until 
you  bring  the  eyes  of  the  whole  congregation  upon  me  as  a 
sinner  above  all  sinners,  you  scoundrel  ?  You'll  turn  me 
out  of  my  owm  bed  and  away  from  my  own  board,  won't  you, 
you  villain  ?  Won't  you,  precious  Father  Gray  ?  Oh,  we'll 
Father  Gray  you  !  Demmy,  the  next  time  a  trap-door  falls 
under  you,  you  rascal,  there  shall  be  a  rope  around  your 
neck  to  keep  you  from  the  ground,  precious  Father  Gray !" 

Uncle !  Uncle  !  that  is  cowardly  !"  exclaimed  Capi- 

tola. 

What  is  cowardly.  Miss  Impertinence  ?" 
To  insult  and  abuse  a  fallen  man  who  is  in  your 
power  !    The  poor  man  is  badly  hurt,  may  be  dying,  for 


THE  NEXT  MOENING. 


491 


aught  you  know,  and  you  stand  over  liim  and  berate  him 
when  he  cannot  even  answer  you  I" 

"  Umph,  nmph,  umph  ;  dcmmy,  you^'C — nniph,  well, 
he  is  fallen,  fallen  pretty  badl}^  eh  ?  and  if  he  should  come 
around  after  this,  the  next  fall  he  gets  will  be  like  to  break 
his  neck,  eh  ? — I  say,  you  gentleman  below  there — Mr.  Black 
Donald — precious  Father  Gray — you^ll  keep  quiet  won%  you, 
while  we  go  iind  get  our  breakfast  ?  Do,  now  !  Come,  Cap, 
come  down  and  pour  out  my  coffee,  and  by  the  time  we  get 
through,  old  Ezy  will  be  here/^ 

Capitola  complied,  and  they  left  the  room  together. 

The  overseer  came  in  Vvdiile  they  were  at  breakfast,  and 
with  his  hair  standing  on  end,  listened  to  the  account  of  the 
capture  of  the  outlaw  by  our  heroine. 

"And  now  saddle  Fleetfoot  and  ride  for  your  life  to  Tij) 
Top  and  bring  a  pair  of  constables,"  were  the  last  orders 
of  Old  Hurricane. 

While  Mr.  Ezy  was  gone  on  his  errand.  Major  Warfield, 
Capitola  and  Mrs.  Condiment  remained  below  stairs. 

It  was  several  hours  before  the  messenger  returned  with 
the  constables,  and  with  several  neighbors  whom  interest 
and  curiosity  had  instigated  to  join  the  party. 

As  soon  as  they  arrived,  a  long  ladder  was  procured  and 
carried  up  into  Capitola's  chamber,  and  let  down  through 
the  trap  door.  Fortunately  it  was  long  enough,  for  when 
the  foot  of  the  ladder  found  the  floor  of  the  cellar,  the  head 
'  rested  securely  against  the  edge  of  the  opening. 

In  a  moment  the  two  constables  began  singly  to  descend, 
the  foremost  one  carrying  a  lighted  candle  in  his  hand. 

The  remaining  members  of  the  party,  consisting  of 
Major  Warfield,  Capitola,  Mrs.  Condiment,  and  some  half 
dozen  neighbors,  remained  gathered  around  the  open  trap- 
door, waiting,  watching,  and  listening  for  what  might  next 
happen. 

Presently  one  of  the  constables  called  out : 
Major  Warfield,  sir!" 


TITE  NEXT  M0RN1N&. 


Well     replied  Old  IlniTicane. 

He's  a-breathing  still,  sir  ;  but  seems  badly  hurt,  and 
may  be  a-dying,  seeing  as  he^s  unsensible  and  unspeakable. 
What  shall  we  do  along  of  him  ?" 

Bring  him  up  !  let's  have  a  look  at  the  fellow,  at  any 
rate     exclaimed  Old  Hurricane,  peremptorily. 

Just  so,  sir  !  but  some  of  the  gem'men  up  there'll 
have  to  come  down  on  the  ladder  and  give  a  lift.  lie's 
dead  weight  now,  I  tell  your  honor  V 

Several  of  the  neighbors  immediately  volunteered  for 
the  service,  and  two  of  the  strongest  descended  the  ladder 
to  lend  their  aid. 

On  attempting  to  move  the  injured  man  he  uttered  a 
cry  of  pain,  and  fainted,  and  then  it  took  the  united 
strength  and  skill  of  four  strong  men  to  raise  the  huge 
insensible  form  of  the  athlete,  and  get  him  uj)  the  ladder. 
No  doubt  the  motion  greatly  inflamed  his  inward  w^ounds, 
but  that  could  not  be  helped.  They  got  him  up  at  last, 
and  laid  out  upon  the  floor,  a  ghastly,  bleeding,  insen- 
sible form,  around  which  every  one  gathered  to  gaze. 
While  they  were  all  looking  upon  him  as  upon  a  slaugh- 
tered wild  beast,  Capitola  alone  felt  compassion. 

"  Uncle,  he  is  quite  crushed  by  his  fall.  Make  the  men 
lay  him  upon  the  bed.  Never  think  of  me  ;  I  shall  never 
occupy  this  room  again  ;  its  associations  are  too  full  of 
horrors.  There,  uncle,  make  them  at  once  lay  him  upon 
the  bed.'' 

'^I  think  the  young  lady  is  right,  unless  we  mean  to  let 
the  fellow  die,"  said  one  of  the  neighbors. 

"Very  well  !  I  have  particular  reasons  of  my  own  for 
wishing  that  the  man's  life  should  be  spared  until  he  could 
be  brought  to  trial  and  induced  to  give  up  his  accomj^lices," 
said  Old  Hurricane.    Then  turning  to  his  ward,  he  said  : 

^'  Come  along,  Capitola.  Mrs.  Condiment  will  see  that 
your  effects  are  transferred  to  another  apartment." 

"  And  you^  friends,"  he  continued,  addressing  the  men 


THE  NEXT  MOENING. 


493 


present,  be  so  good,  so  soon  as  wo  have  gone,  as  to  un- 
dress that  fellow  and  put  him  to  bed,  and  examine  his  in- 
juries while  I  send  off  for  a  physician  ;  for  I  consider  it  very 
important  that  his  life  should  be  spared  sufficiently  long  to 
enable  him  to  give  up  his  accomplices."'  And  so  saying, 
old  Hurricane  drew  the  arm  of  Oapitola  within  his  own 
and  left  the  room. 

It  was  noon  before  the  physician  arrived.  When  he 
had  exanimed  the  patient,  he  pronounced  him  utterly  unfit 
to  be  removed,  as  besides  other  serious  contusions  and 
braises,  his  legs  were  broken  and  several  of  his  ribs  frac- 
tured. 

In  a  word,  it  was  several  weeks  before  the  strong  con- 
stitution of  the  outlaw  prevailed  over  his  many  injuries, 
and  he  was  pronounced  well  enough  to  be  taken  before  a 
magistrate  and  committed  to  prison  to  wait  his  trial. 
Alas !  his  life,  it  was  said,  was  forfeit  by  an  hundred 
crimes,  and  there  could  be  no  doubt  as  to  his  fate. 
He  maintained  a  self-possessed,  good-humored,  and  laugh- 
ingly defiant  manner,  and  when  asked  to  give  up  his 
accomplices,  he  answered  gaily  : 

That  treachery  was  a  legal  virtue  which  outlaws  could 
not  be  expected  to  know  anything  about.''^ 

Oapitola  was  everywhere  hiuded  for  her  brave  part  in 
the  capture  of  the  famous  desperado.  ^  But  Cap  was  too 
sincerely  sorry  for  Black  Donald  to  care  for  the  applause. 


494 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


CHAPTER  LI. 

A  FATAL  HATRED. 

"  Oh,  heaven  and  all  its  hosts,  he  shall  not  die  !** 
"  By  Satan  and  his  fiends,  he  shall  not  live  I 

This  is  no  transient  flash  of  fugitive  passion, — 

His  death  hath  been  by  life  for  years  of  misery, 

Which,  else,  I  had  not  lived, — 

Upon  that  thought,  and  not  on  food,  I  fed ; 

Upon  that  thought,  and  not  on  sleep,  I  rested ; 

I  came  to  do  the  deed  that  must  be  done, — 

Nor  thou,  nor  the  sheltering  angels  could  prevent  me." 

— Maturin. 

The  United  States  army^  under  General  Scott,  invested 
the  city  of  Mexico. 

A  succession  of  splendid  victories  had  marked  every  stage 
of  their  advance,  from  the  sea-coast  to  the  capital.  Vera 
Cruz  had  fallen  ;  Cerro  Gordo  had  been  stormed  and  passed  ; 
Xalpa  taken  ;  the  glorious  triumph  of  Churubusco  had  been 
achieved.  The  names  of  Scott,  Worth,  Wool,  Quitman, 
Pillow,  and  others,  were  crowned  with  honor.  Others,  again, 
whose  humble  names  and  unnoticed  heroism  has  never 
been  recorded,  endured  as  nobly,  suffered  as  patiently,  and 
fought  as  bravely.  Our  own  young  hero,  Herbert  Grey  son, 
had  covered  himself  with  honor. 

The  war  with  Mexico  witnessed,  perhaps,  the  most  rapid 
promotions  of  any  other  in  the  whole  history  of  military 
affairs. 

The  rapid  ascent  of  our  young  oflBcer  was  a  striking 
instance  of  this.  In  two  years  from  the  time  he  had  entered 
the  service  with  a  lieutcnant^s  commission,  he  held  the  rank 
of  major  in  the  regiment  of  infantry. 


A  FATAL  HATEED. 


495 


Fortune  had  not  so  smiled  upon  our  other  young  friend. 
Traverse  Eocke ;  partly,  because,  being  entirely  out  of  his 
vocation,  he  had  no  right  to  expect  success  ;  but,  mostl}^ 
because  he  had  a  powerful  enemy  in  tlie  colonel  of  his  regi- 
ment— an  unsleeping  enemy,  whose  constant  vigilance  was 
directed  to  prevent  the  advancement,  and  insure  the  degra- 
dation and  ruin  of  one  whom  he  contemptuously  termed 
the  "gentleman  private.'^ 

I^ow,  it  is  known  that,  by  the  rules  of  military  etiquette, 
a  wide  social  gulf  lies  between  the  colonel  of  the  regiment 
and  the  private  in  the  ranks. 

Yet  Colonel  Le  Noir  continually  went  out  of  his  w^ay  to 
insult  Private  Eocke,  hoping  to  provoke  him  to  some  act 
of  fatal  insubordination. 

And  very  heavy  was  this  trial  to  a  high-spirited  young 
man  like  Traverse  Eocke ;  and  very  fortunate  was  it  for 
him  that  he  had  early  been  imbued  with  that  most  impor- 
tant truth  that  "  he  who  ruleth  his  own  spirit  is  greater 
thi.n  he  who  taketh  a  city."' 

But  if  Colonel  Le  Noir  crossed  the  gulf  of  military 
etiquette  to  harass  the  poor  young  soldier.  Major  Greyson 
did  the  same  thing  for  the  more  honorable  purpose  of 
soothing  and  encouraging  him. 

And  both  Herbert  and  Traverse  hoped  that  the  designs 
of  their  colonel  would  be  still  frustrated  by  the  self- 
command  and  patience  of  the  young  private. 

Alas  !  they  did  not  know  the  great  power  of  evil — they 
did  not  know  that  nothing  less  than  Divine  Providence 
could  meet  and  overcome  it. 

They  fondly  believed  that  the  malignity  of  Le  Noir  had 
resulted  in  no  other  practical  evil  than  the  preventing  the 
ycung  soldier's  well-merited  advancement,  and  in  keeping 
him  in  the  humble  position  of  a  private  in  the  ranks. 

Tiiey  were  not  aware  that  the  discliarge  of  Traverse 
Eocke  had  long  ago  arrived,  but  that  it  had  been  suppressed 
through  the  diabolical  cunnmg  of  Le  Noir.    That  letters^ 


496 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


/ 


messages,  and  packets,  sent  by  his  friends  to  the  young 
soldier,  had  found  their  way  into  his  coloners  possession, 
and  no  further. 

And  so,  believing  the  hatred  of  that  bad  man  to  liave 
been  fruitless  of  serious,  practical  evil,  Herbert  encouraged 
his  friend  to  be  patient  for  a  short  time  longer,  when  they 
should  see  the  end  of  the  campaign,  if  not  of  the  war. 

It  was  now  that  period  of  suspense  and  of  false  truce, 
between  the  glorious  20th  of  August,  and  the  equally  glori- 
ous 8th  of  September,  1847 — betAveen  the  tAVo  most  bril- 
liant actions  of  the  war,  the  battle  of  Churubusco  and  the 
storming  of  Chapultepec. 

The  General-in-chief  of  the  United  States  forces  in 
Mexico  was  at  his  headquarters  in  the  archiepiscopal  palace 
of  Tacubaya,  on  the  suburbs,  or  in  the  full  sight  of  the  city 
of  the  Montezumas,  awaiting  the  issue  of  the  conference 
between  the  commissioners  of  the  two  hostile  governments, 
met  to  arrange  the  terms  of  a  treaty  of  peace — that  every 
day  grew  more  hopeless. 

General  Scott,  who  had  had  misgivings  as  to  the  good 
faith  of  the  Mexicans,  had  now  his  suspicions  confirmed  by 
several  breaches  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  of  the  terms  of 
the  armistice. 

Early  in  September,  he  despatched  a  letter  to  General 
Santa  Anna,  complaining  of  these  infractions  of  the  truce, 
and  warning  him  that,  if  some  satisfactory  explanations 
were  not  made  within  forty-eight  hours,  he  should  consider 
the  armistice  at  an  end,  and  renew  hostilities. 

And,  not  to  lose  time,  he  began  on  the  same  night  a 
series  of  reconnoisances,  the  object  of  which  was  to  ascer- 
tain the  best  approach  to  the  city  of  Mexico — which,  in 
the  event  of  the  renewal  of  the  war,  he  purposed  to  carry 
by  assault. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  pretend  to  describe  tlie  siege 
and  capture  of  the  capital,  which  has  been  so  often  and 
eloquently  described  by  grave  and  v/ise  historians,  but 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


49Y 


rather  to  follow  the  fortunes  of  a  humble  private  in  the 
ranks  and  relate  the  events  of  a  certain  court  martial,  as  I 
learned  them  from  the  after-dinner  talk  of  a  gallant  officer, 
who  had  officiated  on  the  occasion. 

It  was  during  these  early  days  in  September,  while  the 
illustrious  General-in-chief  was  meditating  concluding  the 
war  by  the  assault  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  that  Colonel  Le 
Noir  also  resolved  to  bring  his  own  private  feud  to  an  end, 
and  ruin  his  enemy  by  a  coup-de-diaUe. 

He  had  an  efficient  tool  for  his  purpose  in  the  Captain 
of  the  company  to  which  Traverse  Rocke  belonged.  This 
man.  Captain  Zuten,  was  a  vulgar  upstart,  thrown  into  his 
command  by  the  turbulence  of  war,  as  the  scum  is  cast  up 
to  the  surface  by  the  boiling  of  the  cauldron. 

He  hated  Traverse  Rocke,  for  no  conceivable  reason, 
unless  it  was  that  the  young  private  was  a  perfect  contrast 
to  himself,  in  the  possession  of  a  handsome  person,  a  well 
cultivated  mind,  and  a  gentlemanly  deportment, — cause 
sufficient  for  the  antagonism  of  a  mean  and  vulgar  nature. 

Colonel  Le  Noir  was  not  slow  to  see  and  to  take  advan- 
tage of  his  hatred. 

And  Captain  Zuten  became  the  willing  co-adjutor  and 
instrument  of  his  vengeance.  Between  them  they  con- 
cocted a  plot  almost  certain  to  bring  the  unfortunate 
young  man  to  an  ignominious  death. 

One  morning,  about  the  first  of  September,  Major 
Greyson,  in  going  his  rounds,  came  upon  Traverse,  stand- 
ing sentry  near  one  of  the  out-posts.  The  aspect  of  the 
young  private  was  so  pale,  haggard  and  despairing,  that 
his  friend  immediately  stopped  and  exclaimed  : 

Why  Traverse,  how  ill  you  look  !  more  fitted  for  the 
sick  list,  than  the  sentry^s  duties.  What  the  deuce  is  the 
matter 

The  young  soldier  touched  his  hat  to  his  superior,  and 
answered  sadly,  '^I  am  ill,  ill  in  body  and  mind,  sir." 
"  Pooh  ! — leave  off  etiquette  when  we  are  alone,  Trav- 


498 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


erse,  and  call  me  Herbert^  as  usual.  Heaven  knows  I 
shall  be  glad  when  all  this  is  over,  and  we  fall  back  into 
our  relative  civil  positions  towards  each  other  !  But  what 
is  the  matter  rfow,  Traverse  ? — Some  of  Le  Noir^s  villainy 
again^  of  course/^ 

Of  course  !  but  I  did  not  mean  to  complain,  Herbert  ! 
— that  were  childish  !  I  must  endure  this  slavery,  these 
insults,  and  persecutions  patiently,  since  I  have  brouglit 
them  upon  myself. " 

Take  comfort.  Traverse  !  the  war  is  drawing  to  a 
close.  Either  this  armistice  will  end  in  a  permanent 
peace,  or  when  hostilities  are  renewed  our  General  will 
carry  the  city  of  Mexico  by  storm,  and  dictate  the  terms  of 
a  treaty  from  the  grand  square  of  the  capital  !  In  either 
event  the  war  will  soon  be  over,  the  troops  disbanded,  and 
the  volunteers  free  to  go  about  their  business  ; — and  Doctor 
Traverse  Eocke,  at  liberty  to  pursue  his  legitimate  pro- 
fession,^^ said  Herbert  cheerfully. 

It  may  be  so  ;  I  do  not  know.  Oh,  Herbert,  whether 
it  be  from  want  of  sleep,  and  excessive  fatigue, — for  I  have 
been  on  duty  for  three  days  and  nights, — or  whether  it  be 
from  incipient  illness,  or  all  these  causes  put  together,  I 
cannot  tell,  but  my  spirits  are  dreadfully  depressed  !  There 
seems  to  be  hanging  over  me  a  cloud  of  fate  I  cannot  dis- 
pel !  Every  hour  it  seems  descending  lower  and  blacker 
over  my  head,  until  it  feels  like  some  heavy  weight,  about 
to  suffocate  or  crush  me  \"  said  Traverse,  sadly. 

^^Pooh,  pooh  !  hypochondria  !  cheer  up  !  remember  that 
in  a  month  we  shall  probably  be  disbanded,  and  in  a  year 
— think  of  it.  Traverse  Rocke  !— Clara  Day  will  be  twenty- 
one,  and  at  liberty  to  give  you  her  hand  !  cheer  up  \" 

Ah,  Herbert !  all  that  seems  now  to  be  more  unsub- 
stantial than  the  fabric  of  a  dream  !  I  cannot  think  of 
Clara  or  of  my  mother,  without  despair  !  For  oh,  Herbert, 
between  me  and  them  there  seems  to  yawn  a  dishonored 


A  FATAL  HATEED. 


499 


grave!  Herbert,  they  talk,  3-ou  know,  of  an  attack  npon  the 
Molina-del-Eey,  and  I  almost  hope  to  fall  in  that  charge  V 
Why  ?"  inquired  Major  G-reysou,  in  dismay. 
To  escape  leing  forced  into  a  dislionorecl  grave  !  Her- 
bert, that  man  has  sv/orn  my  ruin,  and  he  will  accomplish 
it     said  Traverse,  solemnly. 

^•For  Heaven^s  sake,  explain  yourself  \"  said  Herbert. 

'^I  will  !  listen  !  I  will  tell  you  the  history  of  the  last 
three  days,^'  said  Traverse  ;  but  before  he  could  add  another 
word,  the  sentry  that  was  to  relieve  his  guard,  approached 
and  said  : 

Captain  Zuten  orders  yon  to  come  to  his  tent  in- 
stantly." 

With  a  glance  full  of  significance.  Traverse  bowed  to 
Herbert,  and  walked  off,  while  the  sentinel  took  his  place. 

Herbert  saw  no  more  of  Traverse  that  day.  At  night 
he  went  to  inquire  for  him,  but  learned  that  he  had  been 
sent  with  a  reconnoitering  party  to  tlie  Mclino-del-Key. 

The  next  day,  on  seeking  for  Traverse,  he  understood 
that  the  young  private  had  been  despatched  on  a  foraging 
expedition.  That  night,  upon  again  inquiring  for  him,  he 
was  told  that  he  had  been  sent  in  attendance  upon  the 
officer  who  had  borne  secret  despatches  to  General  Quitman, 
at  his  quarters  on  the  Acapulco  road. 

Traverse  is  right  !  They  mean  to  ruin  him  !  I  see 
how  it  is,  exactly.  When  I  saw  Traverse  on  guard,  two 
days  ago,  he  looked  like  a  man  exhausted  and  crazed  for 
want  of  sleep  :  and  since  that  time  he  has  been  night  and 
day  engaged  in  harassing  duty  !  That  demon,  Le  Xoir, 
with  Zuten  to  help  him,  has  determined  to  keep  Traverse 
from  sleep,  until  nature  is  thoroughly  exhausted,  and  then 
set  him  upon  guard,  that  he  may  be  found  sleeping  upon 
his  post.  That  was  what  the  boy  meant,  when  he  talked 
of  the  cloud  that  was  hanging  over  him,  and  of  being 
forced  into  a  dishonored  grave  ; — and  when  he  hoped,  poor 
fellow,  to  fall  in  the  approaching  assault  upon  the  Molino- 


500 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


del-Eey  ! — I  see  it  all  now  !  Tliey  liaye  decided  upon  the 
destruction  of  Traverse  !  He  can  do  nothing  ;  a  soldier's 
whole  duty  is  com2)rised  in  one  word — obedience,  even,  if, 
as  in  this  instance,  he  is  ordered  to  commit  suicide  !  Let 
them  hatch  their  diabolical  plots  ?  We  will  see  if  the  Lord 
does  not  still  reign,  and  if  tlie  devil  is  not  a  fool  !  It  shall 
go  hard,  but  they  are  ''hoist  with  their  own  petard  V  "  said 
Herbert,  indignantly. 

Early  the  next  morning  he  went  to  the  tent  of  Captain 
Zuten,  and  requested  to  see  Private  Traverse  Kocke,  in 
whom,  he  said,  he  felt  a  warm,  interest. 

The  answer  of  Colonel  Le  Noir's  tool  confirmed  Herbert^s 
worst  suspicions. 

Touching  his  cap  with  an  air  of  deference,  he  said : 
As  you  think  so  much  of  the  young  fellow,  Major,  I 
am  very  sorry  to  inform  you,  sir,  that  he  is  under  arrest." 

Upon  what  charge  inquired  Herbert,  calmly,  con- 
cealing the  suspicion  and  indignfition  of  his  bosom. 

Upon  a  rather  bad  one,  Major — sleeping  on  his  post," 
replied  the  officer,  masking  his  exultation  with  a  .'^^how  of 
respect. 

"Eather  bad  !  the  penalty  is  death,"  said  Herbert, 
dryly. 

Yes,  sir— martial  law  is  rather  severe." 
'^Who  charges  him  ?"  asked  Herbert,  curtly. 
'^The  Colonel  of  our  regiment,  sir,"  replied  the  man, 
scarcely  able  to  conceal  his  triumph. 

'^An  accusation  from  a  high  quarter.  Is  his  charge 
supported  by  otJier  testimony  ?" 

Beg  your  pardon.  Major,  but  is  that  necessary  ?" 
''You  have  answered  my  question  by  asking  another 
one,  sir.    I  will  trouble  you  for  a  direct  reply,"  said  Her- 
bert, with  dignity. 

Then,  Major,  I  must  reply— Yes." 
''What  testimony?    I  would  know  the  circumstan- 
ces r 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


501 


Well,  sir,  I  will  tell  yon  all  about  it/*'  said  tlie  officer, 
^'itli  ill-coucecLled  triumpli.       Private  Traverse  Eocke  had 

the  early  morning  watch  

 "'After  his  return    from    the    night    ride  to 

Acapulco  ?''^ 

•'•'Yes,  sir  ;  well,  Colonel  Le  Xoir  and  myself,  in  going 
our  rounds  this  morning,  jitsc  before  sunrise,  came  full 
n^Don  the  young  fellow,  fast  asleep  on  his  post.  In  fact, 
sir,  it  required  a  hearty  shake  to  awaken  him."' 

••'After  niuety-six  hours''  loss  of  sleep,  I  should  not 
wonder  \'' 

^'1  know  nothing  about  that,  sir:  I  only  know  that 
Colonel  Le  Xoir  and  myself  found  him  fast  asleep  on  his 
post.    He  was  immediately  arrested."^ 

•'•'  TVhere  is  he  now     inquired  Herbert. 

^''In  one  of  the  Colonel's  extra  tents,  under  guard," 
replied  the  officer. 

Herbert  immediately  went  to  the  tent  in  question,  where 
he  found  two  sentinels,  with  loaded  muskets,  on  duty 
before  the  door.  They  grounded  arms,  on  the  approach  of 
their  superior  officer. 

"'Is  Private  Traverse  Eocke  confined  within  there  P^-* 
he  inquired. 
Yes,  sir." 

"'  I  must  pass  in  to  see  him." 

"'I  beg  your  pardon,  sir  ;  but  our  orders  are  strict,  not 
even  to  admit  an  officer,  without  a  written  order  from  our 
Colonel,'^  said  the  sentinel. 

"  Where  is  the  Colonel  ?" 

"'  In  his  tent,  sir." 

Herbert  immediately  went  on  to  the  fine  marcpiee  occu- 
pied by  Colonel  Le  Xoir. 

The  sentinel  on  duty  there,  at  once  admitted  him,  and 
he  passed  on  into  the  presence  of  the  Colonel. 

He  saluted  his  superior  officer  with  cold  military  eti-. 
quette,  and  said  : 


502 


A  FATAL  SATKEt). 


I  have  come;,  sir,  to  ask  of  you,  au  order  to  be  admit- 
ted to  see  Private  Traverse  Rocke,  confined  under  the 
charge  of  sleeping  on  his  post." 

(( J  regret  to  say.  Major  Greyson,  that  it  cannot  be 
done,"  replied  Le  Noir,  with  ironical  politeness. 

"  Will  you  have  the  kindness  to  inform  me,  sir,  upon 
what  pretext  my  reasonable  request  is  refused  ?"  asked 
Herbert,  coldly. 

"I  deem  it  quite  unnecessary  to  do  so,  sir/'  answered 
the  Colonel,  haughtily. 

Then,  I  have  no  more  to  do  here,^'  replied  Herbert, 
leaving  the  tent. 

He  immediately  threw  himself  into  his  saddle,  and  rode 
off  to  the  Archiepiscopal  palace  of  Tacubaya,  where  the 
General-in-chief  had  fixed  his  headquarters. 

Here  he  had  to  wait  some  little  time  before  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  presence  of  the  gallant  Commander,  who 
received  him  with  all  the  stately  courtesy,  for  which  that 
renowned  officer  was  distinguished. 

Herbert  mentioned  the  business  that  had  brought  him 
to  the  general's  presence,  the  request  of  a  written  order  to 
see  a  prisoner  in  strict  confinement  for  sleeping  on  his  post. 

The  Commander,  whose  kind  heart  was  interested  in  the 
welfare  of  all  his  soldiers,  made  some  inquiries  into  the  affair, 
of  which  Herbert  proceeded  to  give  him  a  short  history, 
without,  however,  venturing,  as  yet,  directly  to  charge  the 
Captain  or  the  Colonel  with  intentional  foul  play  ; — indeed, 
to  have  attempted  to  criminate  the  superior  officers  of  the 
accused  man,  would  then  have  been  most  unwise,  useless, 
and  hurtful. 

The  general  immediately  wrote  the  desired  order,  and 
passed  it  to  the  young  officer. 

Herbert  bowed,  and  was  about  to  retire  from  the  room, 
when  he  was  called  back  by  the  general,  who  placed  a  packet 
of  letters  in  his  hand,  saying  that  they  had  arrived  among 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


503 


his  despatches^  and  were  for  the  prisoner,  to  whom  Major 
Grey  son  might  as  well  take  them  at  once. 

Herbert  received  them  with  avidity,  and  on  his  way  back 
to  the  coloneFs  tent,  he  examined  their  superscription. 

There  were  three  letters — all  directed  to  Traverse  liocke  ; 
on  two  of  them,  he  recognized  the  familiar  handwriting  of 
Marah  Rocke,  on  the  other,  he  saw  the  delicate  Italian  style 
of  a  young  lady's  hand,  which  he  readily  believed  to  be  that 
of  Clara. 

In  the  midst  of  his  anxiety  on  his  friend's  account  he 
rejoiced  to  have  this  one  little  ray  of  comfort  to  carry  him. 
He  knew  that  many  months  had  elapsed  since  the  young 
soldier  had  heard  from  his  friends  at  home — in  fact.  Trav- 
erse never  received  a  letter  unless  it  happened  to  come  under 
cover  to  Herbert  Grreyson.  And  well  they  both  knew  the 
reason. 

''How  very  fortunate, said  Herbert,  as  he  rode  on, 
''  that  I  happened  to  be  at  the  general's  quarters  to  receive 
these  letters  just  when  I  did ;  for  if  they  had  been  sent  to 
Colonel  Le  Noir's  quarters,  or  to  Captain  Z/s,  poor  Trav- 
erse would  never  have  heard  of  them.  However,  I  shall  not 
distract  Traverse's  attention  by  showing  him  these  letters 
until  he  has  told  me  the  full  history  of  his  arrest,  for  I  wish 
him  to  give  me  a  cool  account  of  the  whole  thing,  so  that  I 
may  know  if  I  can  possibly  serve  him.  Ah,  it  is  very  un- 
likely that  any  power  of  mine  will  be  able  to  save  him  if 
indeed,  and  in  truth,  he  did  sleep  upon  his  post,"  ruminated 
Herbert,  as  he  rode  up  to  the  tent  where  the  prisoner  was 
confined.  ♦ 

Another  pair  of  sentinels  were  on  duty  in  place  of  those 
who  had  refused  him  admittance. 

He  alighted  from  his  horse,  was  challenged,  showed  his 
order,  and  passed  into  the  tent. 

There  a  sight  met  him  that  caused  the  tears  to  rush  to 
his  eyes — for  the  bravest  is  always  the  tenderest  heart. 


504 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


Thrown  down  on  a  mat_,  at  the  back  of  the  tent,  lay 
Ti-averse  Rocke,  pale,  haggard,  and  sunken  in  the  deep, 
deep  sleep  of  utter  exhaustion.  Even  in  that  state  of  per- 
fect abandonment,  prostration  and  insensibility,  the 
expression  of  great  mental  anguish  remained  upon  his 
deathly  countenance  ;  a  mortal  pallor  overspread  his  face  ; 
his  thick,  black  curls,  matted  with  perspiration,  clung  to 
his  hollow  temples  and  cheeks  ;  great  drops  of  sweat  beaded 
upon  his  corrugated  brow  ;  a  quiver  convulsed  his  mouth 
and  chill  ;  every  circumstance  betiayed  how  severely,  even 
in  that  swoon-like  state,  he  suffered  ! 

Herbert  drew  a  camp-stool  and  sat  down  beside  his  mat, 
resolving  not  to  break  that  greatly  needed  rest,  but  to  wait 
patiently  until  the  sleeper  should  awake. 

Again  I  say  that  I  know  nothing  about  mesmerism, 
but  T  have  seen  strange  effects  produced  quite  unconsciously 
by  the  ^Drescnce  of  one  person  upon  another.  And  in  a 
few  minutes  after  Herbert  took  his  seat  beside  Traverse  it 
was  noticeable  that  the  face  of  the  sleeper  lost  its  look  of 
pain,  and  his  rest  grew  deep  and  calm. 

Herbert  sat  watching  that  pale,  calm,  intellectual  face, 
thanking  heaven  that  his  mother  in  her  distant  home  knew 
nothing  of  her  boy's  deadly  peril ;  and  praying  heaven  that 
its  justice  might  be  vindicated  in  the  deliverance  of  this 
victim  from  the  snares  of  those  who  sought  his  life. 

For  more  than  an  hour  longer  Traverse  slept  the  deep 
sleep  of  exhaustion,  and  then  calmly  awoke.  On  seeing 
Herbert  sitting  beside  him,  he  smiled  sadly,  saying  : 

You  here,  Herbert !  How  kind  of  you  to  come  !  Well, 
Herbert,  you  see  they  have  succeeded,  as  I  knew  they 
would  ;  that  was  what  I  wished  to  tell  you  about,  when  I 
v/as  so  abruptly  ordered  away.  I  do  believe  it  was  done  on 
purpose  to  prevent  my  telling  you.  I  really  think  I  have 
been  surrounded  by  spies  to  report  and  distort  every  word 
and  look  and  gesture.  If  our  company  had  only  watched 
the  enemy  with  half  the  vigilance  with  which  they  watched 


A  FATAL  HATKED. 


505 


me,  that  party  of  emigrants  would  not  liave  been  cut  off  on 
tlie  plains/^ 

Traverse/^  said  Herbert,  solemnly  taking  the  hand  of 
his  friend^     vjere  you  caught  sleeping  on  your  post 

Ay  I  sleeping  like  death,  Herbert.'^ 
Herbert  dropped  the  hand  of  his  friend,  covered  his  face 
with  his  own,  and  groaned  aloud.    He  could  not  help  it  ! 

I  told  you  that  they  had  resolved  upon  my  dti-ath, 
Herbert.  I  told  you  that  I  should  be  pushed  into  a  shame- 
ful grave  I'^ 

Oh,  no,  no,  the  Lord  forbid  !  but  tell  me  all  about  it, 
Traverse,  that  I  may  understand  and  know  how  to  pro- 
ceed,^' said  Herbert,  in  a  broken  voice. 

"  Well,  I  need  not  tell  you  how  I  have  been  insulted, 
oppressed  and  persecitted  by  those  two  men,  for  you  know 
that  already." 

Yes,  yes  r 

It  really  soon  became  apparent  to  me  that  they  were 
resolved,  if  possible,  to  exasperate  me  to  desert,  to  retort, 
or  to  commit  some  other  fatal  act  of  insubordination,  or 
violence.  Yet,  for  the  sake  of  my  dear  mother  and  Clara, 
I  did  \iolence  only  to  my  own  natural  manhood,  and  bore 
it  all  with  the  servility  of  a  slave." 

^'  "With  the  submission  of  a  saint,  dear  Traverse  ;  and 
in  doing  so  you  followed  the  divine  precept  and  example  of 
Our  Saviour,  who,  when  accused,  railed  upon  and  buffeted, 
^opened  not  his  mouth/'  And  in  his  forbearance,  dear 
Traverse,  there  was  as  much  of  God-like  dignity  as  there 
was  of  saintly  patience.  Great  respect  is  as  often  mani- 
fested in  forbearance  as  in  resentment,"  said  Herbert, 
soothingly. 

But  you  see  it  availed  me  notliing  ;  here  I  am  under 
a  charge  to  which  T  plead  guilty,  and  the  penalty  of  which 
is — death  !"  replied  Traverse,  in  despair. 

"  Tell  me  how  it  was,  Traverse  I  Your  persecutions 
and  your  patience  I  knew  before ;  but  what  are  the  circum- 


506 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


stances  tliat  led  to  your  present  position.  That  your  mis- 
fortune is  the  result  of  a  concerted  plan,  on  the  part  of  Le 
Noir  and  his  tool,  I  partly  see  ;  but  I  wish  you  to  put  me 
in  possession  of  all  the  facts,  that  I  may  see  in  what  man- 
ner I  may  be  able  to  assist  you.^^ 

Ah,  Herbert,  I  thank  you,  most  faithful  of  friends  ; 
but  I  doubt  whether  you  can  assist  me  in  any  other  man- 
ner than  in  being  kind  to  my  poor  mother  and  my  dear 
Clara  when  I  am  gone — for  ah,  old  playmate  !  the  act  can 
be  too  surely  proved  upon  me,  and  the  penalty  is  certain — 
and  it  is  death  !"  said  the  poor  boy,  deeply  sighing. 
Herbert  groaned,  and  said  : 

But  tell  me  at  least  the  history  of  the  four  days  pre- 
ceding your  arrest. 

I  will.  Let  me  see — this  is  Friday.  Well,  until  this 
morning's  fatal  sleep,  I  had  not  slept  since  Sunday  night. 
Monday  was  passed  in  the  usual  routine  of  military  duty. 
Monday  evening  I  was  sent  on  a  reconnoitering  expedition 
to  the  old  castellated  Spanish  fort  of  the  Casa  de  Mata,  that 
occupied  the  whole  night.  On  Tuesday  morning  I  was 
selected  to  attend  the  messenger  who  went  with  the  flag  of 
truce  into  the  city  to  carry  our  general's  letter  of  expostula- 
tion to  Santa  Anna,  which  employed  the  whole  day.  On 
Tuesday  night,  without  having  had  an  hour's  rest  in  the 
interval,  I  was  put  on  guard.  Wednesday  morning  I  was 
sent  with  a  party  to  escort  an  emigrant  caravan  across  the 
marsh  to  the  village  of  Churubusco.  Wednesday  afternoon 
you  saw  me  on  guard  and  I  told  you  that  I  had  not  slept 
one  hour  for  three  days  and  nights  V 

"  Yes  ;  you  looked  ill  enough  to  be  ordered  on  the  sick 
list.'' 

Yet,  listen  :  Thoroughly  exhausted  as  I  was,  on  Wed- 
nesday night  I  was  ordered  to  join  a  party  to  go  on  a  secret 
reconnoitering  expedition  to  the  Molino-del-Rey.  On  Thurs- 
day morning  I  was  sent  out  with  another  party  on  a  foraging 
tour.    On  Thursday  night  I  was  sent  in  attendance  upon  the 


A  FATAL  HATT^ED. 


officer  ayIio  carriecl  despatches  to  General  Quitman.  On 
Friday  morning  I  was  sent  on  guard  between  the  hours  of 
four  and  eight  I'* 

Oh,  heaven  !  what  an  infamous  abuse  of  military 
authority      exclaimed  Herbert,  indignantly. 

Herbert,  in  my  life  I  have  sometimes  suffered  with 
hunger,  cold  and  pain,  and  have  some  idea  of  what  starv- 
ing, freezing  and  torture  may  be  ;  but  among  all  the  ills  to 
which  flesh  is  heir,  I  doubt  if  there  is  one  so  trying  to  the 
nerves  and  brain  of  man  as  enforced  and  long  continued 
vigilance,  when  all  his  failing  nature  sinks  for  want  of 
sleep.    Insanity  and  death  must  soon  be  the  result.'' 

"  Humph  I  go  on  !  tell  me  about  the  manner  of  their 
finding  you/''  said  Herbert,  scarcely  able  to  repress  his 
indignation. 

^'TTell,  when  after — lot  me  see — eighty-four — ninety — 
ninety-six  hours  of  incessant  watching,  riding  and  walking, 
I  was  set  on  guard  to  keep  the  morning  watch  between 
four  o'clock  and  eight,  '  my  whole  head  was  sick  and  my 
whole  heart  faint  /  my  frame  was  sinking  ;  my  soul  could 
scarcely  hold  my  body  upright.  In  addition  to  this  physi- 
cal suffering  was  the  mental  anguish  of  feeling  that  these 
men  had  resolved  upon  my  death,  and  thinking  of  my  dear 
mother  and  Clara,  whose  hearts  would  be  broken  by  my 
fall.  Oh  !  the  thought  of  them  at  this  moment  quite 
unmans  me  !  I  must  not  reflect !  TTell,  I  endeavored 
with  all  the  faculties  of  my  mind  and  body  to  keep  awake. 
I  kept  steadily  pacing  to  and  fro,  though  I  cotild  scarcely 
drag  one  limb  after  the  other  ;  or  even  stand  upright  ; 
sleep  would  arrest  me  while  in  motion,  and  I  wotild  drop 
my  musket,  and  wake  up  in  a  panic,  with  the  impression 
of  some  awful,  overhanging  ruin  appalling  my  soul.  Her- 
bert, will  you  think  me  a  miserably  weak  wi'etch  if  I  tell 
you  that  that  night  was  a  night  of  mental  and  phvsical 
horrors !  Brain  and  nerves  seemed  in  a  state  of  dis- 
organization 'j  thought  and  emotion  were  chaos ;  the  rela- 


508 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


tioiis  of  soul  and  body  broken  up.  I  liad  but  one  strong, 
clear  idea,  namely,  that  I  must  keep  awake  at  all  costs,  or 
bring  shameful  death  upon  myself  and  disgrace  upon  my 
family.  And  even  in  the  very  midst  of  thinking  this  I 
would  fall  asleep  !" 

''ISTo  power  within  yourself  could  have  prevented  it; 
indeed  you  had  to  drop  into  sleep  or  death  r 

I  pinched  myself,  I  cut  my  flesh,  I  burned  my  skin, 
but  all  in  vain  !  Nothing  could  withstand  the  overwhelm- 
ing power  of  sleep  that  finally  conquered  me  about  five 
o'clock  tliis  morning.  Then,  in  the  midst  of  a  delightful 
dream  of  mother  and  Clara,  and  home,  I  was  roused  up  by 
a  rude  shake,  and  woke  to  find  my  musket  fallen  from  my 
hands,  and  my  captain  and  colonel  standing  over  me  !  It 
was  several  minutes  before  I  could  travel  back  from  the 
pleasant  land  of  sleep  and  dreams  and  realize  my  real  posi- 
tion. When  I  did,  I  had  nothing  to  say.  The  inevitable 
ruin  I  felt  had  come,  and  crushed  me  into  a  sort  of  dumb 
despair.  T^or  did  my  superior  officers  reproach  me — their 
revenge  was  too  perfect !  The  captain  called  a  sergeant  to 
take  my  gun,  and  I  was  marched  off  to  my  present  prison. 
And,  Herbert,  no  sooner  was  I  left  alone  here  than  sleep 
overcame  me  again,  like  a  strong  man,  and  despite  all  the 
gloom  and  terror  of  my  situation,  despite  all  my  thoughts 
of  home  and  mother  and  Clara,  I  slept  like  a  tired  child  ! 
But  this  awakening  !    Oh  !  this  awakening,  Herbert  V 

Be  of  good  courage  !  Let  us  hope  that  Heaven  will 
enable  us  to  confound  the  plots  of  the  evil,  and  save  you 

'^Ah,  Herbert,  that  will  be  impossible  !  The  dutv  of  a 
soldier  is  clear  and  stern  ;  his  punishment,  if  lie  fails  in  it, 
swift  and  sure.  At  the  word  of  command,  he  must  march 
into  the  very  jaws  of  death,  as  is  right !  He  must  die  or 
madden  for  the  want  of  rest,  rather  than  fall  asleep  on  his 
post,  for  if  he  does,  his  punishment  is  certain  and  shame- 
ful death  !  Oh,  my  mother  !  oh,  Clara  !  would  to  Heaven 
I  had  fallen  at  Vera  Cruz  or  Churubusco^  rather  than  live 


A  FATAL  HATRED. 


509 


to  bring  this  dreadful  sorrow  upon  you  cried  Traverse^ 
coverin::  his  convulsed  face  with  his  hands. 

•■'  C'h:  :--  up,  cheer  up,  old  comrade  !  All  is  not  lost 
that  is  endangered,  and  we  shall  save  you  yet  \'' 

^'  Herbert  yon  Jcnovj  it  is  impossible  I*' 
Xo,  I  do  not  know  any  such  thing  I"' 
You  know  that  I  shall  be  tried  to-day  and  sliot 
to-morrov:  ! — Oh,  Herbert  I  never  let  my  dear  ones  at  home 
know  huw  I  shall  die  !  Tell  them  that  I  f>^ll  before  Che- 
piilrepec — which  will  be  literally  true,  you  know  I  Ob,  my 
mother  I  Oh,  my  dear  Clara  I  shall  I  never,  never  see  you 
more  !  never  hear  your  sweet  voices  calling  me  !  never  feel 
the  kind  clasping  of  your  hands  again  ? — Is  this  the  end  of 
a  life  of  aspiration  and  endeavor  ?  Is  this  the  comfort  and 
happiness  I  was  to  bring  you  ? — early  bereavement,  dishon- 
ored, names  and  broken  hearts  I'"* 

^'  I  tell  yon,  no  !    You  shall  be  saved  I    I  say  it  I'"" . 
Ah,  it  is  imiX'Ssible  I"'" 

''Xo,  it  is  only  very  diffictilt — so  very  diffici'.U;  tliat  I 
sliaU  he  sure  to  accornjjlisli  it 

^•'T\'liat  a  paradox 

••'It  is  a  truth  !  Things  difficult — almost  to  impossi- 
bility can  always  be  accomplished  !  AVrite  that  upon  your 
t:..\'l':-:s,  for  it  is  a  valuable  truth  !  And  now  cheer  np,  for 
I  bring  you  letters  from  Clara  and  yottr  mother.'' 

'•'Letters  I  from  Clara  I  and  mother  I  Oh,  give  them  to 
me  I''  exclaimed  the  young  man,  eagerly. 

Herbert  handed  them,  and  Traverse  eagerly  broke  the 
seals  one  after  another  and  devoured  the  contents. 

••'  They  are  well  I  They  are  well  and  happy  !  Oh, 
thank  God  they  are  so  !  Oh,  Herbert,  never  let  them 
know  how  I  shall  die  I  If  they  thiuk  I  fell  honorably  in 
battle,  they  will  get  over  it  in  time  :  but  if  they  kn^-.w  I 
died  a  convict's  death,  it  will  break  their  hearts  I  Oh, 
Herbert  I  my  dear  friend  I  by  all  our  boyhood's  love  I  never 


510 


THE  COTJRT  MARTIAL. 


let  my  poor  mother  and  dear  Clara  know  the  manner  of  my 
death      cried  Traverse,  in  an  imploring  voice. 

Before  he  could  say  another  word  or  Herbert  could 
answer,  an  orderly  sergeant  entered  and  put  into  Major 
Greyson's  hands  a  paper  that  proved  to  be  a  summons  for 
liim  to  attend  immediately  at  headquarters  to  serve  upon 
a  court  martial,  to  try  Private  Traverse  Eocke  upon  the 
charge  of  sleeping  on  his  post. 

^'^This  is  done  on  purpose  to  prevent  me  becoming  a 
witness  for  the  defense  V'  whispered  Herbert  to  his  friend  ; 

but  take  courage  !  We  will  see  yet  whether  they  shall 
succeed  1" 


CHAPTER  LII. 

THE  COURT  MARTIAL. 

**  I  wish  I  could 
Meet  all  my  accusers  with  as  good  excuse, 
As  well  as  I  am  certain  I  can  clear 

Myself  of  this."  — Shakespeare. 

PuRSUAKT  with  the  general  orders  issued  from  head- 
quarters, the  court  martial,  consisting  of  thirteen  officers, 
convened  at  Tacubaya,  for  the  trial  of  Traverse  Eocke, 
private  in  the  Eegiment  of  Infantry,  accused  of  sleep- 
ing on  his  post. 

It  was  a  sultry  morning,  early  in  September,  and  by 
seven  o'clock  the  drum  was  heard  beating  before  the  Archi- 
episcopal  palace,  where  it  was  understood  the  trial  involv- 
ing life  or  death,  would  come  off. 

The  two  sentinels  on  guard  before  the  doors  and  a  few 
officers  off  duty,  loitering  about  the  verandas,  were  the  only 
persons  visible  near  the  well-ordered  premises,  until  the 


THE  COURT  MAETIAL. 


511 


members  of  the  conrt  martial,  witli  tlie  prosecutors  and 
witnesses,  began  to  assemble  and  pass  in. 

WirMn  a  lof  cy  apartment  of  the  bnilding,  whicli  T^'as 
probably  at  one  time  the  great  dining-hall  of  the  priests, 
were  collected  some  twenty  persons,  comprising  the  court 
martial  and  its  attendants. 

An  extension-table  covered  with  green  cloth  occupied 
the  middle  of  the  loug  room. 

At  the  head  of  this  table  sat  General  AV.,  the  president, 
of  the  court.  On  his  right  and  left,  at  the  sides  of  the 
table,  were  aiTauged  the  other  members  according  to  their 
rank. 

At  a  small  table,  near  the  right  hand  of  the  President, 
stood  the  Judge  Advocate,  or  prosecutor  on  behalf  of  the 
United  States. 

At  the  door  stood  a  sentinel  on  guard,  and  near  him  two 
or  three  orderly  sergeants,  in  attendance  upon  the  officers. 

The  Judge  Advocate  opened  the  court  by  calling  over 
the  names  of  the  members,  beginning  with  the  President 
and  ending  with  the  youngest  officer  present,  and  recording 
them  as  they  responded. 

This  preliminary  settled,  orders  were  despatched  to  bring 
the  prisoner,  prosecutor  and  witnesses  into  court. 

And  in  a  few  minutes  entered  Colonel  Le  Xoir,  Captain 
Znten,  Lieutenant  Adams  and  Sergeant  Baker.  They  were 
accommodated  with  seats  near  the  left  hand  of  the  Presi- 
dent. 

Lastly,  the  prisoner  was  brought  in,  guarded,  and  placed 
standing  at  the  foot  of  the  table. 

Traverse  looked  pale,  from  the  severe  effects  of  excessive 
fatigue  and  anxiety  ;  but  he  deported  himself  with  firmness 
and  dignity,  bowed  respectfully  to  the  court  and  then  drew 
his  stately  form  up  to  its  fullest  height,  and  stood  awaiting 
the  proceedings. 

The  Judge  Advocate,  at  the  order  of  the  President, 
commenced  and  read  the  warrant  for  holding  the  court. 


512 


THE  COURT  MARTIAL. 


He  then  read  over  the  names  of  the  members,  commencing 
as  before,  with  the  President,  and  descending  through  the 
gradations  of  rank  to  the  youngest  officer,  and  demanded 
of  the  prisoner  whether  he  had  any  cause  of  challenge,  or 
took  any  exception  to  any  member  present,  and  if  so,  to 
declare  it,  as  was  his  privilege. 

Traverse  lifted  his  noble  head  and  keen  eyes,  and  looked 
slowly  around,  in  turn,  upon  each  officer  of  the  court-mar- 
tial. 

They  might  all  be  said  to  be -strangers  to  him,  since  he 
knew  them  only  by  sight — all  except  his  old  acquaintance, 
Herbert  Greyson,  who  sat  first  at  the  left  hand  of  the  Pres- 
ident, and  who  returned  his  look  of  scrutiny  with  a  gaze 
full  of  encouragement. 

I  find  no  cause  of  challenge,  and  take  no  exception  to 
any  among  the  officers  composing  this  court,"  answered 
Traverse,  again  bowing,  with  such  sweetness  and  dignity  in 
tone  and  gesture  that  the  officers,  in  surprise,  looked — 
first  at  the  prisoner,  and  then  at  each  other.  ISTo  one  could 
doubt  that  the  accused,  in  the  humble  garb  of  a  private 
soldier,  was  nevertheless  a  man  of  education  and  refine- 
ment— a  true  man  both  in  birth  and  breeding. 

As  no  challenge  was  made,  the  judge-advocate  pro- 
ceeded to  administer  to  each  of  the  members  of  the  court 
the  oath  prescribed  by  the  Articles  of  A¥ar,  to  the  intent 
that  they  should  try  "  the  matter  before  them,  between  the 
prisoner  and  the  United  States,  according  to  the  evidence, 
without  fear,  favor,  or  aft'ection.^^ 

This  oath  was  taken  by  each  member  holding  up  his 
right  hand,  and  repeating  the  words  after  the  officer. 

The  court  then  being  regularly  constituted,  and  every 
preliminary  form  observed,  the  judge-advocate  arose  and 
directed  the  prisoner  to  listen  to  the  charge  brought  against 
him  and  preferred  by  the  colonel  of  his  regiment,  Gabriel 
Le  Noir. 

Traverse  raised  his  head  and  fixed  his  eagle  eyes  upon  the 


THE  COURT  MARTIAL. 


513 


[)ios8(,;utor,  who  stood  beside  the  judge-advocate  ;  while  the 
hitter,  ill  an  audible  voice,  read  the  accusation,  charging 
the  prisoner  with  willful  neglect  of  duty — in  that  he,  the 
said  Traverse  Eocke,  on  the  night  of  the  first  of  September, 
being  placed  upon  guard  at  the  north-western  outpost  of 
the  infantry  quarters  at  Tacubaya,  did  fall  asleep  upon  his 
post,  thereby  endangering  the  safety  of  the  quarters  and 
violating  the  46th  Article  of  War. 

To  which  charge  the  prisoner,  in  a  firm  voice  replied  : 
Not  guilty  of  willful  neglect  of  duty,  though  found 
siting  upon  my  post/^ 

The  judge-advocate  then  cautioned  all  witnesses  to  with- 
draw from  the  court  and  come  only  as  they  were  called. 
They  withdrew  ;  and  he  then  arranged  some  preliminaries 

of  the  examination,  and  called  in  Capt.  Zuten,  of  the  

regiment  of  infantry. 

This  witness  was  a  short,  coarse-featured,  red-haired 
person,  without  intellect  enough  to  enable  him  to  conceal 
the  malignity  of  his  nature. 

He  testified  that  on  Thursday,  the  first  of  September, 
Traverse  Eocke,  private  in  his  company,  was  ordered  on 
guard  at  the  north-western  outpost  of  the  quarters,  between 
the  hours  of  four  and  eight  A.  M.  That  about  five  o^clock 
on  the  same  morning,  he,  Joseph  Zuten,  in  making  his 
usual  rounds,  and  being  accompanied  on  tliat  occasion  by 
Colonel  Gabriel  Le  Noir,  Lieutenant  Adams,  and  Sergeant 
Baker,  did  surprise  Private  Traverse  Eocke  asleep  on  his 
post,  leaning  against  the  sentry-box  with  his  musket  at  his 
feet. 

This  witness  was  cross-examined  by  the  judge-advocate 
— who,  it  is  known,  combines  in  his  own  person  the  office 
of  prosecutor  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  and  counsel 
for  the  prisoner — or  rather,  if  he  be  honest,  he  acts  as  im- 
partial inquirer  and  arbiter  between  the  two. 

As  no  new  facts  were  gained  by  the  cross-examination. 


514 


THE  OOTTRT  MABTIAIi. 


tlie  judge-advocate  proceeded  to  call  the  next  witness,  Col- 
onel Le  J^oir. 

Here,  then,  was  a  gentleman  of  most  prepossessing 
exterior  as  well  as  of  most  irreproachable  reputation  ! 

In  brief,  his  testimony  corroborated  that  of  the  forego- 
ing witness  as  to  the  finding  of  the  prisoner  asleep  on  his 
post  at  the  time  and  place  specified.  In  iionor  of  his  high 
social  and  military  standing,  this  witness  vais  not  cross- 
examined. 

The  next  called  was  Lieutenant  AdamS;  ■who  corrobo- 
rated the  evidence  of  former  witnesses.  The  last  person 
examined  was  Sergeant  Baker,  whose  testimony  corre- 
sponded exactly  to  that  of  all  who  had  gone  before  him. 

The  Judge  Advocate  then  briefly  summed  u])  the  case 
on  the  part  of  the  United  States — first  by  reading  the  46th 
Article  of  War,  to  wit,  that  : 

Any  sentinel  who  shall  be  found  sleeping  on  his  post, 
or  shall  leave  it  before  he  shall  be  regularly  relieved,  shall 
suffer  death,^"  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 

And  secondly,  by  reading  the  recorded  evidence  to  the 
effect  that — 

"  Traverse  Rocke  had  been  found  by  competent  witness 
sleeping  on  his  post.^^ 

And  concluded  by  saying  : 

'^Gentlemen,  officers  of  the  court-martial,  here  is  the 
law  and  here  is  the  fact  both  proven,  and  it  remains  for  the 
court  to  find  a  verdict  in  accordance  to  both." 

The  prisoner  was  then  put  upon  his  defense. 

Traverse  Eocke  drew  himself  up  and  said,  that — the 
TEUTH,  like  the  blessed  sun,  must,  on  its  shining  forth, 
dispel  all  clouds  of  error  ;  that,  trusting  in  the  power  of 
truth,  he  should  briefly  relate  the  history  of  the  preceding 
seven  days.  And  then  he  commenced  and  narrated  the 
facts  with  w^hich  the  reader  is  already  acquainted. 

Traverse  was  interrupted  several  times  in  the  course  of 
his  narrative  by  the   President,  General  W.,  a  severe 


THE  COURT  MAKTTAL. 


515 


martinet,  who  reminded  him  that  an  attempt  to  criminate 
his  superior  officers  would  injure  his  cause  before  the  court. 

Traverse,  bowing,  as  in  duty  bound,  to  the  President  at 
every  fresh  interruption,  nevertheless  proceeded  straight  on 
with  his  narrative  to  its  conclusion. 

The  defense  being  closed,  the  Judge  Advocate  arose,  as 
was  his  privilege,  to  have  the  last  word.  He  stated  that  if 
the  prisoner  had  been  oppressed  or  aggrieved  by  his  superior 
officer,  his  remedy  lay  in  the  35th  of  the  Articles  of  War, 
providing  that  any  soldier  who  shall  feel  himself  wronged 
by  his  captain,  shall  complain  thereof  to  the  colonel  of  his 
regiment. 

To  this  the  prisoner  begged  to  reply  that  he  had  con- 
sidered the  colonel  of  his  regiment  his  personal  enemy,  and 
as  such  could  have  little  hope  of  the  issue,  even  if  he  had 
had  opportunity  afforded  him,  of  appealing  to  that  author- 
ity. 

The  Judge  Advocate  expressed  his  belief  that  this  com- 
plaint was  vexatious  and  groundless. 

And  here  the  evidence  was  closed,  and  the  prosecutor, 
prisoner  and  witnesses  dismissed,  and  the  court  adjourned 
to  meet  again  to  deliberate  with  closed  doors. 

It  was  a  period  of  awful  suspense  with  Traverse  Kocke. 
The  prospect  seemed  dark  for  him. 

The  FACT  of  the  offence,  and  the  law  affixing  the 
penalty  of  death  to  that  offence  was  established,  and  as  the 
Judge  Advocate  truly  said,  nothing  remained  but  for  the 
court  to  find  their  verdict,  in  accordance  to  both- 
Extenuating  circumstances  there  were  certainly ;  but 
extenuating  circumstances  were  seldom  admitted  in  court^s- 
martial,  the  law  and  practice  of  which  were  severe,  to  the 
extent  of  cruelty. 

Another  circumstance  against  him,  was  the  fact  that  it 
did  not  require  an  unanimous  vote  to  render  a  legal  verdict ; 
but  that  if  a  majority  of  two-thirds  should  vote  for  convic- 
tion, the  fate  of  the  prisoner  would  be  sealed.  Traverse 


616 


THE  VERDICT. 


had  but  one  friend  in  the  court,  and  what  could  his  single 
voice  do  against  so  many  ? — Apparently  nothing  ;  yet,  as 
the  prisoner  on  leaving  the  court-room,  raised  his  eyes  to 
that  friend,  Herbert  Greyson  returned  the  look  with  a 
glance  of  more  than  encouragement — of  triumph  ! 


CHAPTER  LHI. 

THE  VERDICT. 

We  must  not  make  a  scare-crow  of  the  law, 
Setting  it  up  to  frighten  birds  of  prey ; 
And  let  it  keep  one  shape  till  custom  makes  it  " 
Their  perch  and  not  their  terror."       — Shakespeare. 

The  members  of  a  court  martial  sit  in  the  double 
capacity  of  jurors  and  judges  ;  as  jurors  they  find  the  facts, 
and  as  judges  they  award  the  punishment.  Yet,  their  ses- 
sion with  closed  doors  was  without  the  solemn  formality 
that  the  uninitiated  might  have  supposed  to  attend  a  grave 
deliberation  upon  a  matter  of  guilt  or  innocence  involving 
a  question  of  life  or  death. 

No  sooner  were  the  doors  closed  that  shut  out  the  ^'vul- 
gar crowd,  than  the  ^^higli  and  mighty  officials  imme- 
diately fell  into  easy  attitudes,  and  engaged  in  conversation 
upon  the  weather,  the  climate,  yesterday's  dinner  at  Gene- 
ral Cushion's  quarters,  the  claret,  the  cigars  and  the  Mexi- 
can signoritas. 

They  were  presently  recalled  from  this  easy  chat  by  the 
President,  a  severe  disciplinarian,  who  reminded  them 
rather  sharply  of  the  business  upon  which  they  had  conr 
vened. 


THE  VEEDIOT. 


517 


The  officers  immediately  wheeled  themselves  around  in 
the  chairs,  faciug  the  table,  and  fell  into  order. 

The  Judge  Advocate  seated  himself  at  his  detached 
stand,  opened  his  book,  called  the  attention  of  the  court, 
and  commenced  and  read  over  the  whole  record  of  the  evi- 
dence and  the  proceedings  up  to  this  time. 

The  President  then  said  : 

'*For  my  own  part,  gentlemen,  I  think  this  quite  a 
simple  matter,  requiring  but  little  deliberation.  Here  is 
the  fact  of  the  offence  proved,  and  here  is  the  law  upon 
that  offence  clearly  defined.  ISTothiug  seems  to  remain  for 
us  to  do  but  to  bring  in  a  verdict  in  accordance  with  the 
law  and  the  fact/^ 

Several  of  the  older  officers  and  sterner  disciplinarians 
agreed  with  tlie  President,  who  now  said  : 

I  move  tliat  the  vote  be  immediately  taken  upon  this 
question. 

To  this  also,  the  elder  officers  assensed.  And  the  Judge 
Advocate  was  preparing  to  take  the  ballot,  when  one  of  the 
younger  members  arose  and  said  : 

Mr.  President  and  gentlemen,  there  are  mitigating 
circumstances  attending  this  offence,  which,  in  my  opinion, 
should  be  duly  weighed  before  making  up  our  ballot.'^ 

Lieutenant  Lovel,  when  your  hair  has  grown  white  in 
the  service  of  your  country,  as  mine  has,  and  when  your 
skin  is  mottled  with  the  scars  of  a  score  of  well  fought  fields, 
you  will  find  your  soft  theories  corrected  by  hard  experience, 
and  you  will  know  that  in  the  case  of  a  sentinel  sleeping 
upon  his  post,  there  can  be  no  mitigating  circumstances  ; 
that  nothing  can  palliate  such  flagrant  and  dangerous 
neglect,  involving  the  safety  of  the  whole  army  ;  a  crime 
that  martial  law  and  custom  has  very  necessarily  made 
punishable  by  death, said  the  President,  sternly. 

The  young  lieutenant  sat  down  abashed,  under  the 
impression  that  he  had  betrayed  himself  into  some  act  of 
gross  impropriety.    This  was  his  first  appearance  in  the 


518 


THE  VERDICT. 


character  of  juror  and  judge  ;  he  was  literally  ^'unaccus- 
tomed to  public  speaking/^  and  did  not  hazard  a  reply. 

Has  any  other  gentleman  any  views  to  advance  before 
we  proceed  to  a  general  ballot  ?"  inquired  tlie  President. 

Several  of  the  officei-s  whispered  together,  and  then 
some  one  replied  that  there  seemed  to  be  no  reason  why 
the  vote  should  not  be  immediately  taken. 

Herbert  Greyson  remained  perfectly  silent.  Why  he 
did  not  speak  tlien,  in  reply  to  this  adjuration, — why,  in- 
deed, he  had  not  spoken  defore,  in  support  of  Lieutenant 
LoveFs  views  in  favor  of  his  friend,  I  do  not  know  to  this 
day  ;  though  I  mean  to  ask  him  the  first  time  I  have  the 
opportunity.  Perhaps  he  was  inclined  to  dramatic  effects  : 
but  whatever  might  have  been  the  motive,  he  continued 
silent,  offering  no  obstacle  to  the  immediate  taking  of  the 
vote. 

The  Judge  Advocate  then  called  the  court  to  order  for 
the  taking  of  the  ballot,  and  proceeded  to  question  the 
members  in  turn,  commencing  with  the  youngest. 

How  say  you,  Lieutenant  Lovel,  is  the  prisoner  on 
trial  guilty  or  not  guilty  of  the  offence  laid  to  his  charge  V' 

Guilty,^'  responded  the  young  ofiicer,  as  his  eyes 
filled  with  tears  of  pity  for  the  other  young  life  against 
which  he  had  felt  obliged  to  record  his  vote. 

"If  that  is  the  opinion  of  one  who  seems  friendly  to 
him,  what  will  be  the  votes  of  the  other  stern  judges 
said  Herbert  Greyson  to  himself,  in  dismay. 

What  say  you.  Lieutenant  Jones — is  the  prisoner 
guilty  or  not  guilty  ?"  said  the  Judge  Advocate,  proceed- 
ing with  the  ballot. 

Guilty  r 

Lieutenant  Cragin 
Guilty 

Lieutenant  Evans 
"  Guilty  r 
Lieutenant  Goffe?'' 


619 


Guilty  r 
"  Lieutenant  Hesse  r^* 
Guilty  '/^ 

Captain  Kingsley  V* 
Guilty 

Captain  McConkey 
Guilty  I'"^ 
Captain  Lucas 
Guilty  \'' 

Captain  O'Donnelly  \" 
Guilty  !'"' 
"  Captain  Eozencrantz  V* 
Guilty 

Major  Greyson 
*^NOT  GUILTY  V' 

Erery  ofBcer  sprang  to  his  feet  and  gazed  in  astonisb.- 
ment^  cousternation  and  indignant  inquiry  upon  the  Ten- 
derer of  this  unprecedented  Tote. 

The  president  was  the  first  to  speak^  breaking  out  v'ith  : 

^'  Sir  !  Major  Greyson  !  your  vote,  sir  I  in  direct  defi- 
ance of  the  fact  and  the  law  upon  it,  is  unprecedented. ,  sir, 
in  the  whole  history  of  courts -martial 

^'  I  record  it  as  uttered,  nevertheless,"  replied  Herbert. 
And  your  oath,  sir  !  what  becomes  of  your  oath  as  a 
judge  of  this  court !" 

I  regard  my  oath  in  my  vote  !" 

^' What,  sir,"  inquired  Captain  McConkey,  ''do  you 
mean  to  say  that  you  have  rendered  that  vote  in  accordance 
with  the  facts  elicited  in  evidence,  as  by  your  oath  you  were 
bound  to  do  ?" 

'-'Yes." 

How,  sir  !  do  you  mean  to  say  that  the  prisoner  did 
not  sleep  on  his  post  ?" 

''  Certainly  I  do  not ;  on  the  contrary,  I  grant  that  he 
did  sleep  upon  his  post,  and  yet  I  maintain  that  in  doing  so 
he  was  not  guilty  !" 


520 


THE  VERDICT. 


''Major  Greyson  plays  with  us      said  the  President. 

''  By  no  means,  sir  !  I  never  was  in  more  solemn  earnest 
than  at  present !  Your  honor,  the  President,  and  gentle- 
men judges  of  the  court,  as  I  am  not  counsel  for  the  pris- 
oner, nor  civil  officer,  nor  lawyer,  of  whose  interference 
courts-martial  are  proverbially  jealous,  I  beg  you  will  permit 
me  to  say  a  few  words  in  support,  or  at  least,  I  will  say,  in 
explanation  of  the  vote  which  you  have  characterized  as  an 
opinion  in  opposition  to  fact  and  law,  and  unprecedented  in 
the  whole  history  of  courts-martial." 

''Yes,  it  is !  it  is  \"  said  G-eneral  W.,  shifting  uneasily 
in  his  seat. 

"  You  heard  the  defense  of  the  prisoner,"  continued 
Herbert  ;  "  you  heard  the  narrative  of  his  wrongs  and  suf- 
ferings, to  the  truth  of  which  his  very  aspect  bore  testimony. 
I  will  not  here  express  a  judgment  as  to  the  motives  that 
prompted  his  superior  officers,  I  will  merely  advert  to  the 
facts  themselves,  in  order  to  prove  that  the  prisoner,  under 
the  circumstances,  could  not,  with  his  human  power,  have 
done  otherwise  than  he  did." 

"  Sir,  if  the  prisoner  considered  himself  wronged  by  his 
captain,  which  is  very  doubtful,  he  could  have  appealed  to 
the  colonel  of  his  regiment !" 

"Sir,  the  articles  of  war  accord  him  that  privilege. 
But  is  it  ever  taken  advantage  of  ?  Is  there  a  case  on 
record  where  a  private  soldier  ventures  to  make  a  danger- 
ous enemy  of  his  immediate  superior  by  complaining  of  his 
captain  to  his  colonel.  Nor  in  this  case  would  it  have  been 
of  the  least  use,  inasmuch  as  this  soldier  had  well  founded 
reasons  for  believing  the  colonel  of  his  regiment  his  personal 
enemy,  and  the  captain  as  the  instrument  of  this  enmity." 

"And  you.  Major  Greyson,  do  you  coincide  in  the 
opinion  of  the  prisoner  ?  Do  you  think  that  there  con  Id 
have  been  anything  in  common  between  the  colonel  of  the 
regiment  and  the  poor  private  in  the  ranks,  to  explain  such 


THE  VERDICT. 


521 


an  equalizing  sentiment  as  enmity  ?"  inquired  Captain 
O'Donnellj. 

"1  answer  distinctly,  3'es,  sir  !  In  the  first  place,  this 
poor  private  is  a  young  gentleman  of  birth  and  education, 
the  heir  of  one  of  the  most  important  estates  in  Virginia, 
and  the  betrothed  of  one  of  the  most  lovely  girls  in  the 
world.  In  both  these  capacities  he  has  stood  in  the  way  of 
Colonel  Le  'Noiv,  standing  between  him  and  the  estate  on 
the  one  hand,  and  between  him  and  the  young  lady  on  the 
other.  He  has  disappointed  Le  Noir  both  in  love  and 
ambition.  And  he  has  thereby  made  an  enemy  of  the  man 
who  has  besides  the  nearest  interest  in  his  destruction. 
Gentlemen,  what  I  say  now  in  the  absence  of  Colonel  Le 
Noir,  I  am  prepared  to  repeat  in  his  presence,  and  main- 
tain at  the  proper  time  and  place. 

'''But  how  came  this  young  gentleman  of  birth  and 
expectations  to  be  found  in  the  ranks  inquired  Captain 
Eosencrantz, 

How  came  we  to  have  headstrong  sons  of  wealthy 
parents,  fast  young  men  of  fortune,  and  runaway  students 
from  the  universities  and  colleges  of  the  United  States,  in 
our  ranks  ?  In  a  burst  of  boyish  impatience  the  young 
man  enlisted.  Destiny  gave  him  as  the  colonel  of  his 
regiment  his  mortal  enemy.  Colonel  Le  'Noiv  found  in 
Captain  Zuten  a  ready  instrument  for  Iiis  malignity.  And 
between  them  both  they  have  clone  all  that  could  possibly 
be  effected  to  defeat  the  good  fortune  and  insure  the 
destruction  of  Traverse  Eocke.  And  I  repeat,  gentlemen, 
that  what  I  feel  constrained  to  affirm  here  in  the  absence 
of  those  officers,  I  shall  assuredly  re-assert  and  maintain  in 
their  presence,  upon  the  proper  occasion.  In  fact,  I  shall 
bring  formal  charges  against  Colonel  Le  !N"oir  and  Captain 
Zuten,  of  conduct  unworthy  of  officers  and  gentlemen  I" 

But  it  seems  to  me  that  this  is  not  directly  to  the 
point  at  issue,"  said  Captain  Kingsley. 

On  the  contrary,  sir,  it  is  the  pointy  the  whole  point. 


622 


THE  VERDICT. 


and  only  point,  as  you  shall  presently  see,  by  attending  to 
the  facts  that  I  shall  recall  to  your  memory.  You  and  all 
present  must,  then,  sec  that  there  was  a  deliberate  purpose 
to  effect  the  ruin  of  this  young  man.  He  is  accused  of 
having  been  found  sleeping  on  his  post,  the  penalty  of 
which,  in  time  of  war,  is  death.  Now  listen  to  the  history 
of  the  days  that  preceded  his  fault,  and  tell  me  if  human 
nature  could  have  withstood  the  trial  ? 

Sunday  night  was  the  last  of  repose  to  the  prisoner 
until  Friday  morning,  when  he  was  found  asleep  on  his 
post. 

"  Monday  night  he  was  sent  with  the  reconnoitering 
party  to  Casa-de-Mata. 

Tuesday  he  was  sent  with  the  officer  that  carried  our 
Generars  expostulation  to  Santa  Anna.  At  night  he  was 
put  on  guard. 

Wednesday  he  was  sent  with  another  party  to  protect 
a  band  of  emigrants  crossing  the  marshes.  At  night  he  was 
sent  with  still  another  party  to  reconnoitre  Molino-del- 
Eey. 

Thursday  he  was  sent  in  attendance  upon  the  officer 
that  carried  despatches  to  General  Quitman,  and  did  not 
return  until  after  midnight,  when,  thoroughly  worn  out, 
driven  indeed  to  the  extreme  degree  of  mortal  endurance, 
he  was  again,  on  a  sultry,  oppressive  night,  in  a  still,  soli- 
tary place,  set  on  guard  ;  where  a  few  hours  later  he  was 
found  asleep  upon  his  post — by  whom  ? — the  colonel  of  his 
regiment  and  the  captain  of  his  company,  who  seemed  bent 
upon  his  ruin  ! — as  I  hold  myself  bound  to  establish  before 
another  court  martial. 

This  result  had  been  intended  from  the  first  !  11  five 
night^s  loss  of  sleep  would  not  have  effected  this,  fifteen 
j)robably  ivovMj  if  fifteen  would  not,  thirty  would  ;  or  if 
thirty  wouldn't,  sixty  would  ! — and  all  this  Captain  Zuten 
Jiad  the  pQioer  to  enforcQ  until  his  doome(5  victim  should  fall 


THE  VERDICT. 


523 


into  the  hands  of  the  23roTOst-marshal^  and  into  the  arms  of 
death  1 

^'And  now^  gentlemen,  in  view  of  all  these  circnm- 
stances^.  I  ask  you — "Was  Traverse  Eocke  gnilty  of  Tvillfiil 
neglect  of  duty  in  dropping  asleep  on  his  post  ?  And  I 
move  for  a  reconsideration,  and  a  new  ballot  l  ' 

'■•'Such  a  thing  is  vrirhnut  precedent,  sir  I  These  miti- 
gating circiim? ranees  may  be  brought  to  bear  on  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief, and  may  be  embodied  in  a  recommenda- 
tion to  mercy  !  they  should  have  no  weight  in  the  finding 
of  the  verdict,"  suid  the  President,  ••'which  should  be  in 
accordance  with  the  fact  and  the  law.'" 

'■^  And  wi:h  justice  and  humanity  I  To  find  a  verdict  of 
guilty  against  this  young  man  would  be  to  place  an  un- 
merited brand  upon  his  spotless  name,  that  no  after  clem- 
ency of  the  Execuiive  could  wipe  otrt  I  Gentk-men,  will 
you  do  this  ?  Xo  I  I  am  sure  that  you  will  not  I  And 
again  I  move  for  a  new  ballot  I"' 

"  I  second  the  motion  I*'  said  Lieutenant  Lovel,  rising 
qui:_  :  ;.raged  to  bc-licvc-  in  his  own  first  inst;nct^.  which 
had  been  su  favorable. 

'•'Gentlemen/'' said  the  President,  sternly,  ''•'this  thing 
is  wirh  iii:  precedent !  In  all  the  annals  of  courts-martial, 
withotit  precedent  l'^ 

•'•'  Then,  if  there  no  such  precedent,  it  is  quire  time 
that  such  a  one  were  estallisTLecl so  that  the  iron  car  of 
literal  law  should  not  always  roll  over  and  crush  justice  I 
Gentlemen,  shall  we  have  a  new  buliut 

''Yes  I  yes  1  yes  I  yes  !"  were  the  answers. 

''It  is  irregular  I  it  is  illegal  I  ir  is  unprecedented  I  a 
new  ballot,  never  heard  of  such  a  thing  in  forty  years  of 
mil'  ^  i  k  I  Lord  IjLss  my  soul,  what  is  the  service  com- 
ing to  :  ' 

'•'A  new  ballot  I  a  new  ballot  !  a  new  ballot  I''  was  the 
unanimous  cry. 

The  President  groaned  in  spirit,  and  recorded  a  vow 


524 


THE  VERDICT. 


never  to  forgive  Herbert  Greyson  for  this  departure  from 
routine. 

The  new  ballot  demanded  by  acclamation  had  to  be 
held. 

The  Judge  Advocate  called  the  court  to  order  and  began 
anew.  The  votes  were  taken  as  before,  commencing  with 
the  young  lieutenant,  who  now  responded  sonorously  : 

'"Not  Guilty  !" 

And  so  it  ran  around  the  entire  circle.  Not  guilty  V 
''Not  guilty  ''Not  guilty  V  were  the  hearty  responses 
of  the  court. 

The  acquittal  was  unanimous.  The  verdict  was  re- 
corded. 

The  doors  were  then  thrown  open  to  the  public,  and 
the  prisoner  called  in  and  publicly  discharged  from  cus- 
tody. 

The  court  then  adjourned. 

Traverse  Rocke  threw  himself  upon  the  bosom  of  his 
friend,  exclaiming  in  a  broken  voice  : 

"I  cannot  sufficiently  thank  you  !  My  dear  mother  and 
Clara  will  do  that  I" 

"Nonsense!"  said  Herbert,  laughing ;  "didn^t  I  tell 
you  that  the  Lord  reigns,  and  that  the  devil  is  a  fool  ?  This 
is  only  the  beginning  of  victories  V 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAE. ' 


525 


CHAPTEE  Liy. 

THE  END  OF  THE  WAE. 

"  Now  are  our  brows  bound  with  victorious  wreaths, 
Our  bruised  arms  hung  up  for  monuments ; 
Our  stern  alarums  changed  to  merry  meetings, 
Our  dreadful  marches  to  delightful  measures, 
Grim-visaged  war  hath  smoothed  his  wrinkled  front, ' 
And  now,  instead  of  mounting  barbed  steeds, 
To  fright  the  souls  of  fearful  adversaries, 
He  capers  nimbly  in  a  lady's  chamber. 
To  the  lascivious  pleasing  of  a  lute."     — Shakespeakb. 

Tek  days  later  Molino-del-Rey,  Casa-de-Mata  and  Che- 
pultepec  had  fallen.  The  United  States  forces  occupied 
the  city  of  Mexico.  General  Scott  was  in  the  Grand  Plaza, 
and  the  American  standard  waved  above  the  capital  of  the 
Monteziimas  ! 

Let  those  who  have  a  taste  for  swords  and  muskets, 
drums  and  trumpets,  blood  and  fire,  describe  the  desperate 
battles  and  splendid  victories  that  led  to  this  final  magnifi- 
cent triumph  ! 

My  business  lies  with  the  persons  of  our  story,  to  illus- 
trate whom  I  must  pick  out  a  few  isolated  instances  of 
heroism  in  this  glorious  campaign. 

Herbert  Greyson^s  division  was  a  portion  of  the  gallant 
Eleventh  that  charged  the  Mexican  batteries  on  Molino- 
del-Rey.  He  covered  his  name  with  glory,  and  qualified 
himself  to  merit  the  command  of  the  regiment,  which  he 
afterwards  received. 

Traverse  Eocke  fought  like  a  young  Paladin.  When 
they  were  marching  into' the  very  mouths  of  the  cannon  that 
were  vomiting  fire  upon  them,  and  when  the  young  ensign 


526 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAE. 


of  his  company  was  struck  down  before  him,  Traverse 
Rocke  took  tbe  colors  from  liis  falling  liancl_,  and  crying 
Victory  V'  pressed  onwards  and  upwards  over  the  dead 
and  the  dying,  and  springing  upon  one  of  the  guns  which 
continued  to  belch  forth  fire,  he  thrice  waved  the  flag  over 
his  head,  and  then  planted  it  upon  the  battery  !  Captain 
Zuten  fell  in  the  subsequent  assault  upon  Chapultepec. 

Colonel  Le  ISToir  entered  the  city  of  Mexico  with  the 
victorious  army,  but  on  the  subsequent  day,  being  engaged 
in  a  street  skirmish  with  the  leperos  or  liberated  convicts, 
he  fell  mortally  wounded  by  a  copper  bullet,  and  he  was  now 
dying  by  inches  at  his  quarters  near  the  Grand  Cathedral. 

It  was  on  the  evening  of  the  20th  of  September,  six  days 
from  the  triumphant  entry  of  General  Scott  into  the  capi- 
tal, that  Major  Greyson  was  seated  at  supper  at  his  quarters, 
with  some  of  his  brother  officers,  v/hen  an  orderly  entered 
and  handed  a  note  to  Herbert,  which  proved  to  be  a  com- 
munication from  the  surgeon  of  their  regiment,  begging  him 
to  repair  Avithout  delay  to  the  quarters  of  Colonel  Le  Noir, 
who,  being  in  extremity,  desired  to  see  him. 

Major  Greyson  immediately  excused  himself  to  his  com- 
pany, and  repaired  to  the  quarters  of  the  dying  man. 

He  found  Colonel  Le  Noir  stretched  upon  his  bed,  in  a 
state  of  extreme  exhaustion  and  attended  by  the  surgeon 
and  chaplain  of  his  regiment. 

As  Herbert  advanced  to  the  side  of  his  bed,  Le  Noir 
stretched  out  his  pale  hand,  and  said  : 

You  bear  no  grudge  against  a  dying  man,  Greyson 
Certainly  not,^'  said  Herbert ;     especially  when  he 
purposes  doing  the  right  thing,  as  I  judge  you  do,  from  the 
fact  of  your  sending  for  me.''' 

Yes,  I  do,  I  do,''  replied  Le  ISToir,  pressing  the  hand 
that  Herbert's  kindness  of  heart  could  not  withhold. 

Le  Noir  then  beckoned  the  minister  to  hand  him  two 
sealed  packets,  which  he  took  and  laid  upon  the  bed  before 
him. 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAR, 


627 


Then  taking  up  the  larger  of  the  two  packets,  he 
placed  it  in  the  hands  of  Herbert  Greyson^  saying  : 

There,  Greyson,  I  wish  you  to  hand  that  to  your 
friend,  young  Kocke,  who  has  received  his  colors,  I  under- 
stand 

''  Yes  ;  he  has  now  the  rank  of  ensign." 
Then  give  this  parcel  into  the  hands  of  Ensign  Rocke, 
with  the  request,  that  being  freely  yielded  up,  they  may 
not  be  used  in  any  manner  to  harass  the  last  hours  of  a 
dying  man/' 

''  I  promise,  on  the  part  of  my  noble  young  friend,  that 
they  shall  not  be  so  used,^'  said  Herbert,  as  he  took  posses- 
sion of  the  parcel. 

Le  N"oir  then  took  up  the  second  packet,  which  was 
much  smaller,  but  much  more  firmly  secured  than  the 
first,  being  an  envelope  of  parchment,  sealed  with  three 
great  seals. 

Le  Noir  held  it  in  his  hand  for  a  moment,  gazing  from 
the  surgeon  to  the  chaplain,  and  thence  down  upon  the 
mysterious  packet,  while  spasms  of  pain  convulsed  his 
countenance.    At  length  he  spoke  : 

^'This  second  packet,  Greyson,  contains  a — well,  I  may 
as  well  call  it  a  narrative.  I  confide  it  to  your  care  upon 
these  conditions — that  it  shall  not  be  opened  until  after  my 
death  and  funeral ;  and  that,  v/hen  it  has  served  its  pur- 
pose of  restitution,  it  may  be,  as  far  as  possible,  forgotten. 
Will  you  promise  me  this 

On  my  honor,  yes,'^  responded  the  young  man,  as  he 
received  the  second  parcel. 

''  That  is  all  I  have  to  say,  except  this — that  you  seemed 
to  me,  upon  every  account,  the  most  proper  person  to  whom 
I  could  confide  this  trust.  I  thank  you  for  accepting  it ;  and 
I  believe  that  I  may  safeiy  promise  that  you  will  find  the  con- 
tents of  the  smaller  packet  of  great  importance  and  advan- 
tage to  yourself  and  those  dear  to  you,'' 

Herbert  bowed  in  silence. 


628 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAR. 


That  is  all.  G-ood-bye.  I  wish  now  to  be  alone  with 
our  cha2olain/'  said  Colonel  Le  ^oiv,  extending  his  hand. 

Herbert  pressed  that  wasted  hand  ;  silently  sent  up  a 
prayer  for  the  dying  wrong-doer  ;  bowed  gravely,  and  with- 
drew. 

It  was  almost  eight  o^clock,  and  Herbert  thought  that 
he  would  scarcely  have  time  to  find  Traverse  before  the 
drum  should  beat  to  quarters. 

He  was  more  fortunate  than  he  had  anticipated  ;  for  he 
had  scarcely  turned  the  Grand  Cathedral,,  when  he  came 
full  upon  the  young  ensign. 

Ah  !  Traverse,  I  am  very  glad  to  meet  you  !  I  was  just 
going  to  look  for  you.  Come  immediately  to  my  rooms,  for 
I  have  a  very  important  communication  to  make  to  you  ! 
Colonel  Le  Noir  is  supposed  to  be  dying.  He  has  given  me 
a  parcel  to  be  handed  to  you,  which  I  shrewdly  suspect  to 
contain  your  intercepted  correspondence  for  the  last  two 
years,"  said  Herbert. 

Traverse  started  and  gazed  upon  his  friend  in  amaze- 
ment, and  was  about  to  express  his  astonishment,  when 
Herbert,  seeing  others  approach,  drew  the  arm  of  his  friend 
within  his  own,  and  they  hurried  silently  on  toward  Major 
Greyson^s  quarters. 

They  had  scarcely  got  in,  and  closed  the  door,  and 
stricken  a  light,  before  Traverse  exclaimed,  impatiently : 
Give  it  me  I"*^  and  almost  snatched  the  parcel  from 
Herbert^s  hands. 

Whist !  don't  be  impatient.  I  dare  say  it  is  all  stale 
news  V  said  Herbert,  as  he  yielded  up  the  prize. 

They  sat  down  together,  on  each  side  a  little  stand  sup- 
porting a  light. 

Herbert  watched  with  sympathetic  interest  while  Tra- 
verse tore  open  the  envelope  and  examined  its  contents. 

They  were,  as  Herbert  had  anticipated,  letters  from  the 
mother  and  the  betrothed  of  Traverse — letters  that  had 


THE  r^B  OF  THE  WAR. 


529 


arrived  and  been  intercepted^  from  time  to  time,  for  the 
pnceding  two  years. 

There  were  blanks,  also,  directed  in  a  hand  strange  to 
Trarerse,  but  familiar  to  Herbert  as  that  of  Old  Hurricane  ; 
and  those  blanks  enclosed  draughts  upon  a  Xew  Orleans 
bank,  payable  to  the  order  of  Traverse  Rocke. 

Traverse  pushed  all  these  la  iter  aside  with  scarcely  a 
glance  and  not  a  word  of  inquiry,  and  began  eagerly  to 
examine  the  long-desired,  long-withheld  letters  from  the 
dear  ones  at  home. 

His  cheek  flamed  to  see  that  every  seal  was  broken  and 
the  fresh  aroma  of  every  heart-breathed  word  inhaled  by 
others,  before  they  reached  himself  ! 

^'Look  here,  Herbert  I  look  here  !  Is  not  this  insuffer- 
able ?  Every  fond  word  of  my  mother,  every  delicate  and 
sacred  expression  of — of  regard  from  Clara,  all  read  by  the 
profane  eyes  of  that  man  V 

That  man  is  on  his  death-bed.  Traverse,  and  you 
must  forgive  him  !    He  has  restored  your  letters/'' 

Yes,  after  their  sacred  privacy  has  been  profaned  ! 

Oh 

Traverse  handed  his  mother's  letters  over  to  Herbert, 
that  her  foster-son  might  read  them,  but  Clara's  '^sacred 
epistles, were  kept  to  himself. 

What  are  you  laughing  at  inquired  Traverse  look- 
ing up  from  his  page  and  detecting  Herbert  with  a  smile 
upon  his  face. 

"  I  am  thinking  that  you  are  not  as  generous  as  you 
were  some  few  years  since,  when  you  would  have  given  me 
Clara  herself ;  for  now  you  will  not  even  let  me  have  a 
glimpse  of  her  letters  V 

'^Have  they  not  been  already  sufficiently  published  ?" 
said  Traverse,  with  an  almost  girlish  smile  and  blush. 

"When  those  cherished  letters  were  all  read  and  put 
away,  Traverse  stooped  down  and  fished  up,"  from  amidst 
envelopes,  strings,  and  waste  paper,  another  set  of  letters. 


630. 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAR. 


which  proved  to  be  the  blanks  enclosing  the  checks,  of 
various  dates,  which  Herbert  recognized  as  coming  anony- 
mously from  Old  Hurricane. 

What  in  the  world  is  the  meaning  of  all  this  Herbert? 
Have  I  a  nabob  uncle  turned  up  anywhere,  do  you  ttink  ? 
Look  here  ! — a  hundred  dollars — and  a  fifty,  and  another — 
all  draughts  upon  the  Planters'  Bank,  New  Orleans,  drawn 
in  my  favor  and  signed  by  Largent  &  Dor,  Bankers  ! — I, 
that  haven't  had  five  dollars  at  a  time  to  call  my  own  for 
the  last  two  years  !  Here,  Herbert,  give  me  a  good  sharp 
pinch  to  wake  me  up  !  I  may  be  sleeping  on  my  post 
again  \"  said  Traverse,  in  perplexity. 

You  are  not  sleeping.  Traverse  P 

Are  you  sure  T' 

Perfectly,"  replied  Herbert,  laughing. 

Well,  then,  do  you  think  that  crack  upon  the  crown 
of  my  head  that  I  got  upon  Ohapultepec  has  not  injured  my 
intellect  ?' 

"  Not  in  the  slightest  degree  V  said  Herbert,  still  laugh- 
ing at  his  friend's  perplexity. 

Then  I  am  the  hero  of  a  fairy  fcale,  that  is  all — a  fairy 
tale  in  which  waste  paper  is  changed  into  bank  notes,  and 
private  soldiers  prince-palatines  !  Look  here  \"  cried 
Traverse,  desperately,  thrusting  the  bank  checks  under  the 
nose  of  his  frieud ;  do  you  see  those  things  and  know 
what  they  are,  and  will  you  tell  me  that  everything  in  this 
castle  doesn't  ^  go  by  enchantment  ?'  " 

Yes,  I  see  what  they  are,  and  it  seems  to  me  perfectly 
natural  that  you  should  have  them  !" 

Humph  !"  said  Traverse,  looking  at  Herbert  with  an 
expression  that  seemed  to  say  that  he  thought  the  wits  of 
his  friend  deranged. 

Traverse,"  said  Major  Grey  son,  did  it  never  occur  to 
you,  that  you  must  have  other  relatives  in  the  world  besides 
your  m_otlier  ?   Well^  I  suspect  that  those  checks  were  ^eiit 


\ 

\  THE  END  OF  THE   WAR.  531 

by  ^me  relative  of  yours  or  your  motlier^s^  who  just  begins 
to  remember  that  he  has  been  neglecting  you  I" 

Herbert^  do  yoic  know  this?"  inquired  Traverse^ 
anxiously. 

Jsfo,  I  do  not  Icnow  it ;  I  only  suspect  this  to  be  the 
case/^  said  Herbert,  evasively.  But  what  is  that  which 
you  are  forgetting  V 

'^Oh  !  this — ^yes,  I  had  forgotten  it.  Let  us  see  what  it 
is  V  said  Traverse,  examining  a  paper  that  had  rested 
unobserved  upon  the  stand. 

This  is  an  order  for  my  discharge,  signed  by  the 
Secretary  of  War,  ar^d  dated — ha-ha-ha — two  years  ago  I 
Here  I  have  been  serving  two  years  illegally,  and  if  I 
had  been  convicted  of  neglect  of  duty  in  sleeping  on  my 
post,  I  should  have  been  shot  unlawfully,  as  that  man, 
when  he  prosecuted  me,  knew  perfectly  well,"  exclaimed 
Traverse. 

"  That  man,  as  I  said  before,  lies  upon  his  death-bed  ! 
Eemember  nothing  against  him  !  But  that  order  for  a 
discharge — now  that  you  are  in  the  way  of  promotion  and 
the  war  is  over — will  you  take  advantage  of  it  ?" 

Decidedly,  yes!  for,  though  1  am  said  to  have 

acquitted  myself  passably  well  at  Chapultepec  " 

Gloriously,  Traverse  !  You  won  your  colors  glorious- 
ly." 

 Yet,  for  all  that,  my  true  mission  is  not  to  break 

raen^s  bones,  but  to  set  them  when  broken  ! — not  to  take 
men's  lives,  but  to  save  them  when  endangered.  So,  to- 
morrov/  morning,  please  Providence,  I  shall  present  this 
order  to  General  Butler,  and  apply  for  my  discharge." 

And  you  will  set  out  immediately  for  home  ?" 
The  face  of  Traverse  suddenly  changed. 

I  should  like  to  do  so  !  Oh,  how  I  should  like  to  see 
my  dear  mother  and  Clara,  if  only  for  a  day  ;  but  I  must 
not  indulge  the  longing  of  my  heart.  I  must  not  go  home 
until  I  can  do  so  with  honor." 


632 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAR. 


'^And  can  you  not  do  so  now?  You,  who  have 
triumphed  over  all  your  personal  enemies,  and  won  your 
colors  at  Ohapultepec 

No,  for  all  this  was  in  my  legitimate  profession  !  Nor 
will  I  present  myself  at  home  until,  by  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord,  I  have  done  what  I  set  out  to  do,  and  establish  my- 
self in  a  good  practice.  And  so,  by  the  help  of  Heaven  ! 
I  hope  within  one  week  to  be  on  my  way  to  New  Orleans  to 
try  my  fortune  in  that  city.^' 

To  New  Orleans  ! — And  a  new,  malignant  fever,  of 
some  horrible,  unknown  type,  raging  there  V*  exclaimed 
Herbert. 

So  much  the  more  need  of  a  physician  !  Herbert,  I 
am  not  the  least  nneasy  on  the  subject  of  infection  !  I  have 
a  theory  for  its  annihilation.^' 

I  never  saw  a  clever  young  professional  man  without 
a  theory  ! laughed  Herbert. 

The  drum  was  now  heard  beating  the  tattoo,  and  the 
friends  separated  with  hearts  full  of  revived  hope. 

The  next  morning  Traverse  presented  the  order  of  the 
secretary  to  the  commander-in-chief,  and  received  his  dis- 
charge. 

And  then,  after  writing  long,  loving  and  hopeful  letters 
to  his  mother  and  betrothed,  and  entreating  the  former  to 
try  to  find  out  who  was  the  secret  benefactor  who  had  sent 
him  such  timely  aid,  Traverse  took  leave  of  his  friends, 
and  set  out  for  the  Southern  Queen  of  Cities,  once  more  to 
seek  his  fortune. 

Meantime  the  United  States  army  continued  to  occupy 
the  City  of  Mexico,  through  the  whole  of  the  autumn  and 
the  winter. 

General  Butler,  who  temporarily  succeeded  the  illustri- 
ous Scott  in  the  chief  command,  very  wisely  arranged  the 
terms  of  an  armistice  with  the  enemy,  that  was  intended  to 
last  two  months  from  the  beginning  of  February ;  but 


THE  END  OF  THE  WAE. 


533 


which  happily  lasted  until  the  conclusion  of  the  treaty  of 
peace  between  the  two  countries. 

Colonel  Le  ISToir  had  not  been  destined  soon  to  die ;  his 
wound, — an  inward  canker  from  a  copper  bullet,  that  the 
surgeon  had  at  length  succeeded  in  extracting — took  the 
form  of  a  chronic  fester  disease.  Since  the  night  upon 
which  he  had  been  so  extremely  ill,  as  to  be  supposed 
dying,  and  yet  had  rallied,  the  doctors  felt  no  apprehen- 
sions of  his  speedy  death,  though  they  gave  no  hopes  of  his 
final  recovery. 

Under  these  circumstances,  there  were  hours  in  which 
Le  Noir  bitterly  regretted  his  precipitation  in  permitting 
those  im.portant  documents  to  go  out  of  his  own  hands. 
And  he  frequently  sent  for  Herbert  Greyson  in  private  to 
require  re-assurances  that  he  would  not  open  the  packet 
confided  to  him  before  the  occurrence  of  the  event  specified. 

And  Herbert  always  soothed  the  sufferer  by  reiterating 
his  promise  that  so  long  as  Colonel  Le  lN"oir  should  survive, 
the  seal  of  that  packet  should  not  be  broken. 

Beyond  the  suspicion  that  the  parcel  contained  an 
important  confession,  Herbert  Greysonwas  entirely  ignorant 
of  its  contents. 

But  the  life  of  Gabriel  Le  l^oir  was  prolonged  beyond 
all  human  calculus  of  probabilities. 

He  was  spared  to  experience  a  more  effectual  repentence 
than  that  spurious  one  into  which  he  had  been  frightened 
by  the  seeming  rapid  approach  of  death.  And  after  seven 
months  of  lingering  illness  and  gradual  decline,  during  the 
latter  portions  of  which  he  was  comforted  by  the  society  of 
his  only  son,  who  had  come  at  his  summons  to  visit  him,  in 
May,  1848,  Gabriel  Le  Noir  expired,  a  sincere  penitent, 
reconciled  to  God  and  man. 

And  soon  afterwards,  in  the  month  of  May,  the  treaty 
of  peace  having  been  ratified  by  the  Mexican  Congress  at 
Queretaro,  the  American  army  evacuated  the  city  and  terri- 
tory of  Mexico. 


534 


THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 


And  onr  brave  soldiers,  their  "  brows  crowned  with 
victorious  wreaths/'  set  out  upon  their  return  to  home  and 
friends. 


CHAPTER  LV. 

THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 

"  Heaven  has  to  all  allotted,  soon  or  late, 
Some  lucky  revolution  of  their  fate  ; 
Whose  motions  if  we  watch  and  guide  with  skill 
(For  human  good  depends  on  human  will) 
Our  fortune  rolls  as  from  a  smooth  descent, 
And  from  the  first  impression  takes  its  bent. 
JSTow,  now  she  meets  you  with  a  glorious  prize, 
And  spreads  her  locks  before  her  as  she  flies." 

— Dryden. 

Meanwhile,  what  had  our  young  adventurer  been 
doing  in  all  these  months  between  September  and  June  ? 

Traverse  with  his  two  hundred  dollars  had  set  out  for 
New  Orleans  about  the  first  of  October. 

By  the  time  he  had  paid  his  traveling  expenses  and 
fitted  himself  out  with  a  respectable  suit  of  professional 
black,  and  a  few  necessary  books,  his  little  capital  had 
diminished  three  quarters. 

So  that  when  he  found  himself  settled  in  his  new  office, 
in  a  highly  respectable  quarter  of  the  city,  he  had  but  fifty 
dollars  and  a  few  dimes  left. 

A  portion  of  this  sum  was  expended  in  a  cheap  sofa- 
bedstead,  a  closed  washstand  and  a  spirit-lamp  coffee-boiler, 
for  Traverse  determined  to  lodge  in  his  office  and  board 
himself — which  will  have  this  additional  advantage/' 


THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 


535 


said  the  clieerful  fello"^  to  himself — for  besides  saving 
me  from  debt,  it  will  keep  me  always  on  hand  for  calls." 

The  fever^  though  it  was  October,  had  scarcely  abated ; 
indeed,  on  the  contrary,  it  seemed  to  have  revived  and 
increased  in  virnlency  in  consequence  of  the  premature 
return  of  many  people  who  had  fled  on  its  first  appearance, 
and  who  in  comino'  back  too  soon  to  the  infected  atmos- 
phere,  were  less  able  to  withstand  contagion  than  those 
who  remained. 

That  Traverse  escaped  the  plague  was  owing  not  so 
much  to  his  favorite  ''^theory"  as  to  his  vigorous  constitu- 
tion, pure  blood,  and  regular  habits  of  temperance,  clean- 
liness, and  cheerful  activity  of  mind  and  body. 

Just  then  the  demand  was  greater  than  the  supply  of 
medical  service.  Traverse  found  plenty  to  do.  And  his 
pleasant  young  face  aud  hopeful  and  confident  manners 
won  him  great  favor  in  sick  rooms,  where,  whether  it  were 
to  be  ascribed  to  his theory,"  his  practice,'"  or  to  the 
happy  influence  of  his  personal  presence,  or  to  all  these 
together,  with  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  upon  them, — it  is 
certain  that  he  was  very  successful  in  raising  the  sick.  It 
is  true  that  he  did  not  earn  five  dollars  in  as  many  days  ; 
for  his  practice,  like  that  of  almost  every  young  profes- 
sional man,  was  among  the  indigent. 

But  what  of  that  ? — what  if  he  were  not  running  up 
heavy  accounts  against  wealthy  patrons  ? — he  was  giving 
to  the  poor  " — not  money,  for  himself  was  as  poor  as  any 
of  them — but  his  time,  labor  and  professional  skill ;  he 
was  giving  to  the  poor,"  he  was  ^'lending  to  the  Lord," 
and  he  ^Hiked  the  security."  And  the  most  successful 
speculator  that  ever  made  a  fortune  on  •'Change,  never, 
never  invested  time,  labor  or  money  to  a  surer  advantage. 

And  this  I  would  say  for  the  encouragement  of  all 
young  persons  in  similar  circumstances — do  not  be  impa- 
tient if  the  '"^returns"  are  a  little  while  delayed,  for  they 
a-re  so  siire  anii  §0  riob  tjxat  they  ^re  quite  worth  waiting 


536 


THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 


for,  nor  will  the  waiting  be  long.  Give  your  services  cheer- 
fully, also,  for  ^'  the  Lord  loveth.  a  cheerful  giver." 

Traverse  managed  to  keep  out  of  debt ;  he  regularly 
paid  his  office  rent  and  his  laundress'  bill ;  he  daily  pur- 
cliased  his  mutton  chop  or  pound  of  beefsteak,  and  broiled 
it  himself ;  he  made  his  cofLee ;  swept  and  dusted  his 
office  ;  put  up  his  sofa-bed ;  blacked  his  boots  ;  and  oh  ! 
miracle  of  independence,  he  mended  his  own  gloves  and 
sewed  on  his  own  shirt-buttous — for  you  may  depend  that 
the  widow's  son  knew  how  to  do  all  these  thiugs  ;  nor  was 
there  a  bit  of  hardship  in  his  having  so  to  wait  upon  him- 
self, though  if  his  mother  and  Clara,  in  their  well-provided 
and  comfortable  home  at  Willow  Heights,  had  only  known 
how  destitute  the  young  man  was  of  female  aid  and  com- 
fort how  they  would  have  cried  ! 

''!N"o  one  but  himself  to  mend  his  poor  dear  gloves! 
Oh — oh,  boo-hoo-oo 

Traverse  never  alluded  to  his  straitened  circumstances  ; 
but  boasted  of  the  comfort  of  his  quarters  and  the  extent 
of  his  practice,  and  declared  that  his  income  already  ex- 
ceeded his  outlay  ;  which  was  perfectly  true,  since  he  was 
resolved  to  live  within  it,  whatever  it  might  be. 

As  the  fever  began  to  subside.  Traverse's  practice  de- 
clined, and  about  the  middle  of  November  his  occupation 
was  gone." 

We  said  that  his  office  was  in  the  most  respectable 
locality  in  the  city  ;  it  was,  in  fact,  on  the  ground  floor  of 
a  first-class  hotel. 

It  happened  that  one  night,  near  the  close  of  winter, 
Traverse  lay  awake  on  his  sofa-bedstcad,  turning  over  in  his 
mind  how  he  should  contrive  to  make  both  ends  meet,  at 
the  conclusion  of  the  present  term,  and  feeling  as  near 
despondency  as  it  was  possible  for  his  buoyant  and  God- 
trusting  soul  to  be,  when  there  came  a  loud  ringing  at  his 
office  bell. 

This  reminded  him  of  the  stirring  days  and  nights  of 


THE  FOETUXATE  BATH. 


537 


the  preceding  autumn.  He  started  up  at  once  to  answer 
the  summons. 

Who's  there 

'^s  Doctor  Eocke  in  ?" 

''Yes,  what's  wanted 

''  A  gentleman,  sir,  in  the  house  here,  sir,  taken  very 
bad,  wants  the  doctor  directly,  room  number  555/' 

''  Very  well,  I  will  be  with  the  gentleman  immediately," 
answered  Traverse,  plunging  his  head  into  a  basin  of  cold 
water  and  drying  it  hastily. 

In  five  minutes  Traverse  was  in  the  office  of  the  hotel, 
inquiring  for  a  waiter  to  show  him  up  to  555. 

One  was  ordered  to  attend  him,  who  led  the  way  up  sev- 
eral flights  of  stairs,  and  around  divers  galleries,  until  he 
opened  a  door  and  ushered  the  doctor  immediately  into  the 
sick  room. 

There  was  a  little,  old,  dried-up  Frenchman  in  a  blue 
night-cap,  extended  on  a  bed  in  the  middle  of  the  room, 
and  covered  with  a  white  counterpane  that  clung  close  to 
his  rigid  form  as  to  a  corpse. 

And  there  was  a  little,  old,  dried-up  Frenchwoman  in  a 
brown  merino  gown  and  a  high-crowned  muslin  cap,  who 
hopped  and  chattered  about  the  bed  like  a  frightened  mag- 
pie. 

"On  I  Monsieur  le  Docteur  !"  she  screamed,  jumping 
at  Traverse  in  a  way  to  make  him  start  back  ;  ''  Ou,  Monsieur 
le  Docteur  I  I  am  vera  happy  you  to  see  !  Voila  mon  f  rere  I 
Behold  my  brother  I  He  is  ill  !  he  is  vera  ill  !  he  is  dead  I 
he  is  vera  dead  I" 

''  I  hope  not,"  said  Traverse,  approaching  the  bed. 

''^Yoila  I  Behold  !  Mon  Dieu,  he  is  vera  still  I  he  is 
vera  cold  !  he  is  vera  dead  !  what  can  yoti,  mon  frere,  my 
brother  to  save  ?" 

"  Be  composed.  Madam,  if  you  please,  and  allow  me  to 
examine  my  patient,"  said  Traverse,  taking  the  wrist  of  the 
sick  man. 


538 


THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 


"Ma  foi !    I  know  not  what  you  speak  *  compose/ 

What  can  you  my  brother  to  save  ?" 

"  Much,  I  hope,  Madam,  but  you  must  leave  me  to  exam- 
ine my  patient  and  not  interrupt  me,^^  said  Traverse,  passing 
his  hand  over  the  naked  chest  of  the  sick  man. 

Mon  Dieu  !    I  know  not  ^  exam'  and  '  interrup  V  and 
I  know  not  what  can  you  mon  fr^re  to  save  \" 

"  If  you  don't  hush  parley-vooing,  the  doctor  can't 
nothink,  mum,"  said  the  waiter,  in  a  respectful  tone. 

Traverse  found  his  patient  in  a  bad  condition — in  a 
stupor,  if  not  in  a  state  of  positive  insensibility.  The  surface 
of  his  body  was  cold  as  ice,  and  apparently  without  the  least 
vitality.  If  he  was  not,  as  his  sister  had  expressed  it,  "  very 
dead,"  he  was  certainly  "  next  to  it." 

By  close  questioning,  and  by  putting  his  questions  in 
various  forms,  the  doctor  learned  from  the  chattering  little 
magpie  of  a  Frenchwoman  that  the  patient  had  been  ill 
for  nine  days  ;  that  he  had  been  under  the  care  of  Monsieur 
le  Docteur  Oartiere  ;  that  there  had  been  a  consultation  of 
physicians  ;  that  they  had  prescribed  for  him  and  given 
him  over ;  that  le  Docteur  Cartiere  still  attended  him,  but 
was  at  this  instant  in  attendance  as  accoucheur  to  a  lady  in 
extreme  danger,  whom  he  could  not  leave  ;  but  Docteur 
Cartiere  had  directed  them,  in  his  unavoidable  absence,  to 
call  in  the  skillful,  the  talented,  the  soon  to  be  illustrious 
young  Docteur  Rocke,  who  was  also  near  at  hand. 

The  heart  of  Traverse  thrilled  with  joy.  The  Lord  had 
remembered  him.  His  best  skill  spent  upon  the  poor  and 
needy  who  could  make  him  no  return,  but  whose  lives  he 
had  succeeded  in  saving,  had  reached  the  ears  of  the  cele- 
brated Dr.  0.,  who  had  with  the  unobtrusive  magnanimity 
of  real  genius,  quietly  recommended  him  to  his  own 
patrons. 

Oh !  well,  he  would  do  his  very  best,  not  only  to 
advance  his  own  professional  interests,  and  to  please  hia 


THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 


539 


motlier  and  Clara,  but  also  to  do  honor  to  the  magnani- 
mous Dr.  C/s  recommendation. 

Here,  too,  was  an  opportunity  of  putting  in  practice  his 
favorite  theory  ;  but  first  of  all  it  was  necessary  to  be 
informed  of  the  preceding  mode  of  treatment  and  its 
results. 

So  he  farther  questioned  the  little,  restless  magpie,  and 
by  ingeniously  framed  inquiries,  succeeded  in  gaining  from 
her  the  necessary  knowledge  of  his  patient's  antecedents. 
He  examined  all  the  medicines  that  had  been  used,  and  in- 
formed himself  of  their  effects  upon  the  disease.  But  the 
most  serious  diflQculty  of  all,  seemed  to  be,  the  impossibility 
of  raising  vital  action  upon  the  cold,  dead  skin. 

The  chattering  little  woman  informed  him  that  the 
patient  had  been  covered  with  blisters  that  would  not 
"pull,'^  that  would  not  decliniate,''  that  would  not,  what 
you  call  it — ^'  draiu  I" 

Traverse  could  easily  believe  this,  for  not  only  the  skin, 
but  the  very  flesh  of  the  old  Frenchman  seemed  bloodless 
and  lifeless. 

!N'ow  for  his  theory  !  what  would  kill  a  healthy  man 
with  a  perfect  circulation,  miglit  save  the  life  of  this  dying 
one,  whose  whole  surface,  inch  deep,  seemed  already  dead. 

Put  him  in  a  bath  of  mustard  wator,  as  hot  as  you  can 
bear  your  own  band  in,  and  continne  to  raise  the  tempera- 
ture slowly,  watching  the  effect,  for  about  five  minutes.  I 
will  go  down  and  prepare  a  cordial  draught  to  be  taken  the 
moment  he  gets  back  to  bed,''  said  Doctor  Eocke,  who  im- 
mediately left  the  room. 

His  directions  were  all  but  two  well  obeyed.  The  bath- 
ing tub  was  quickly  brought  into  the  chamber  and  filled 
with  water,  as  hot  as  the  nurse  could  bear  her  hand  in. 
Then  the  invalid  was  hastilv  invested  in  a  slio:ht  bathinof 
gown  and  lifted  by  two  servants  and  laid  in  the  hot  bath. 

Now,  bring  quickly,  water  boiling,"  said  the  little, 
old  woman,  imperatively.    And  when  a  large  copper  kettle 


540       *  THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 

full  was  forthcoming,  she  took  it  and  began  to  pour  a 
stream  of  hissing,  bubbling  water  in  at  the  foot  of  the 
bath. 

The  skin  of  the  torpid  patient  had  been  redding  for  a 
few  seconds,  so  as  to  prove  that  its  sensibility  was  return- 
ing, and  now  when  the  stream  from  the  kettle  began  to 
mix  with  the  already  vei-y  hot  bath,  and  the  patient,  with 
the  agility  of  youth  and  health,  skipped  out  of  the  tub  and 
into  his  bed,  kicking  vigorously,  and  exclaiming  : 

Brigands  !  assassins  !  you  have  scalded  my  legs  to 
death  V' 

Glory  be  to  the  Lord  !  he's  saved  T  cried  one  of  the 
waiters,  a  devout  Irishman. 

*^  Oiel !  he  speaks  !  he  moves  !  he  lives  I  mon  frereV 
cried  the  little  Frenchwoman,  going  to  him. 

''Ah,  murderers!  bandits!  you\e  scalded  me  to 
death  !    Fll  have  you  all  before  the  commissaire  !" 

''  He  scolds  !  he  threatens  !  he  swears  !  he  gets  well  ! 
mon  frere!'*  cried  the  old  woman,  busying  herself  to 
change  his  clothes  and  put  on  his  flannel  night-gown. 
They  then  tucked  him  up  warmly  in  bed,  and  put  bottles 
of  hot  water  all  around,  to  keep  up  this  newly  stimulated 
circulation. 

At  that  moment  Dr.  Rocke  came  in,  put  his  hand  into 
the  bath-tub,  and  could  scarcely  repress  a  cry  of  pain  and 
of  horror — the  water  scalded  his  fingers  !  what  must  it  have 
done  to  the  sick  man  ! 

*'  Good  heaven,  Madam  ?  I  did  not  tell  you  to  parboil 
your  patient  !"  exclaimed  Traverse,  speaking  to  the  old 
woman.  Traverse  was  shocked  to  find  how  perilously  his 
orders  had  been  executed. 

^' Eh  lien  Monsieur!  he  lives  !  he  does  well!  Voila 
mon  frere  !"  exclaimed  the  little  old  woman. 

It  was  true  I  the  accidental  ''  boiling  bath,''  as  it  might 
almost  he  called,  had  effected  what  perhaps  no  other  means 
in  the  world  could — a  restored  circulation. 


THE  FORTUNATE  BATH. 


641 


The  disease  was  broken  up  and  the  conyalescence  of 
the  patient  was  rapid.  And  as  Traverse  kept  his  own 
secret  concerning  the  accidental  high  temperature  of  that 
bath^  which  every  one  considered  a  fearful  and  a  successful 
experiment,  the  fame  of  Dr.  Eocke  spread  over  the  whole 
city  and  country. 

He  would  soon  have  made  a  fortune  in  New  Orleans,  had 
not  the  hand  of  destiny  beckoned  him  elsewhere.  It  hap- 
pened thus  : 

The  old  Frenchman  whose  life  Traverse  had  partly  by 
accident  and  partly  by  design  succeeded  in  saving,  compre- 
hended perfectly  well  how  narrow  his  escape  from  death 
had  been,  and  attributed  his  restoration  solely  to  the  gen- 
ius, skill  and  boldness  of  his  young  physician,  and  was 
gi-atef  Lil  accordingly  with  all  a  Frenchman's  noisy  demon- 
stration. 

He  called  Traverse  his  friend,  his  deliverer,  his  son  ! 

One  day,  as  soon  as  he  found  himself  stroDg  enough  to 
think  of  pursuing  his  journey,  he  called  his  son  into 
the  room  and  explained  to  him  that  he.  Doctor  Pierre  St. 
Jean,  was  the  proprietor  of  a  private  Insane  Asylum,  very 
exclusive,  very  quiet,  very  aristocratic,  indeed,  receiving 
none  but  patients  of  the  highest  rank  ;  that  this  retreat  was 
situated  on  the  wooded  banks  of  a  charming  lake  in  one  of 
the  most  healthy  and  beautiful  neighborhoods  of  East 
Feliciana  ;  that  he  had  originally  come  down  to  the  city 
to  engage  the  services  of  some  young  physician  of  talent  as 
his  assistant,  and  finally,  that  he  would  be  delighted  ! 
enraptured !  if  ^'his  deliverer  !  his  friend  !  his  son  would 
accept  the  post. 

Now,  Traverse  particularly  wished  to  study  the  various 
phases  of  mental  derangement,  a  department  of  his  profes- 
sional education  that  had  hitherto  been  opened  to  him  only 
through  books. 

He  explained  this  to  his  old  friend,  the  French  physi- 
cian, who  immediately  went  off  into  ecstatic  exclamations 


542 


THE  MYSTERIOUS  MANIAC. 


of  joy  as,  Good  !  Great  !  !  Grand  !  !  V  and  ''^I  shall  now 
repay  my  good  child  !  my  dear  son  !  for  his  so  excellent 
skill  V 

The  terms  of  the  engagement  were  soon  arranged,  and 
Traverse  prepared  to  accompany  his  new  friend  to  his 
^'beautiful  retreat/^  the  private  mad-house.  But  first 
Traverse  wrote  to  his  mother  and  to  Clara  in  Virginia,  and 
also  to  Herbert  Greyson  in  Mexico,  to  apprise  them  of  his 
good  fortune. 


CHAPTER  LVI. 

THE  MYSTERIOUS  MAKIAO. 

"  Stay,  jailer,  stay,  and  hear  my  woe  : 
She  is  not  mad  who  kneels  to  thee, 
For  what  I  am,  full  well  I  know, 

And  what  I  was,  and  what  should  be ; 
I'll  rave  no  more  in  proud  despair — 

My  language  shall  be  calm  tho'  sad ; 
But  yet  I'll  truly,  firmly  swear, 
I  am  not  mad!  no,  no,  not  mad!" 

— M.  G.  Lewis. 

It  was  at  the  close  of  a  beautiful  day  in  early  spring 
that  Traverse  Eocke,  accompanying  the  old  doctor  and  the 
old  sister,  reached  the  grove  on  the  borders  of  the  beauti- 
ful lake  upon  the  banks  of  which  was  situated  the  Calm 
Retreat.'"' 

A  large,  low,  white  building,  surrounded  with  piazzas 
and  shaded  by  fragrant  and  fiowering  southern  trees,  it 
looked  like  the  luxurious  country  seat  of  some  wealthy 
merchant  or  planter,  rather  than  a  prison  for  the  insane. 


THE  MY§T]5BI0Ue  MANIAO, 


543 


Doctor  St.  Jeau  conducted  his  young  assistant  into  a 
broad  and  cool  hall,  on  each  side  of  which  doors  opened 
into  spacious  rooms,  occupied  by  the  proprietor  and  his 
household.  The  cells  of  the  patients,  as  it  appeared,  were 
up  stairs.  The  country  doctor  and  the  matron  who  had 
been  in  charge  duriug  the  absence  of  the  proprietor  and  his 
sister,  now  came  forward  to  welcome  the  party,  and  report 
the  state  of  the  institution  aud  its  inmates. 

All  were  as  usual,  the  country  doctor  said,  except 
"  Mademoiselle." 

^'And  what  of  her,  how  is  Mademoiselle  ? — A  patient 
most  interesting,  Doctor  Eocke  said  the  old  Frenchman, 
alternately  questioning  his  substitute  and  addressing  Trav- 
erse. 

She  has  stopped  her  violent  ravings,  and  seems  to  me 
to  be  sinking  into  a  state  of  stupid  despair,"'  replied  the 
substitute. 

A  patient  most  interesting,  my  young  friend  !  a  his- 
tory most  pathetic  ;  you  shall  hear  of  it  some  time.  But 
come  into  the  parlor.  And  you,  Angele,  my  sister,  ring, 
and  order  coffee,"  said  the  old  Frenchman,  leading  the  way 
into  a  pleasant  apartment  on  the  right  of  the  hall,  furnished 
with  straw  matting  upon  the  floor,  and  bamboo  settees  and 
chairs  around  the  walls. 

Here  coSee  was  presently  served  to  the  travelers,  who 
soon  after  retired  for  the  night. 

Traverse's  room  was  a  large,  pleasant  apartment  at  the 
end  of  a  wide,  long  hall,  on  each  side  of  which  we're  the 
doors  opening  into  the  cells  of  the  patients. 

Fatigued  by  his  journey.  Traverse  slept  soundly  through 
the  night ;  but  early  in  the  morning  he  was  rudely  awakened 
by  the  sounds  of  maniac  voices  from  the  cells.  Some  were 
crying,  some  laughing  aloud,  some  groaning  and  howling, 
and  some  holding  forth  in  fancied  exhortations. 

He  dressed  himself  quickly  and  left  his  room,  to  walk 
down  the  length  of  the  long  hall  and  observe  the  cells  on 


544 


THE  MYSTEEIOUS  MANIAC. 


each  side.  The  doors  were  at  regular  intervals,  and  each 
door  had  in  its  centre  a  small  opening  to  enable  the  pro- 
prietor to  look  in  upon  the  patients. 

As  these  were  all  women,  and  some  of  them  delicate 
and  refined  even  in  their  insanity.  Traverse  felt  shocked  at 
this  necessary,  if  it  loere  necessary,  exposure  of  their  sanctu- 
ary. 

The  cells  were  in  fact  small  bed  rooms,  that  with  their 
white-washed  walls,  and  white  curtained  beds  and  windows, 
looked  excessively  neat,  clean  and  cool,  but  also,  it  must 
be  confessed,  very  bare,  dreary  and  cheerless. 

^'  Even  a  looking-glass  would  be  a  great  benefit  to  those 
poor  girls,  for  I  remember  that  even  Clara,  in  her  violent 
grief,  and  mother  in  her  life-long  sorrow,  never  neglected 
their  looking-glass,  and  personal  appearance, said  Traverse 
to  himself,  as  he  passed  down  the  hall,  and  resolved  that 
this  little  indulgence  should  be  afforded  the  patients. 

And  except  those  first  involuntary  glances,  he  scrupu- 
lously avoided  looking  in  through  the  gratings  upon  those 
helpless  women  who  had  no  means  of  secluding  themselves. 

But  as  he  turned  to  go  down  the  stairs,  his  eyes  went 
full  into  an  opposite  cell,  and  fell  upon  a  vision  of  beauty 
and  sorrow  that  immediately  rivetted  his  gaze. 

It  was  a  small  and  graceful  female  figure,  clothed  in 
deep  black,  seated  by  the  window,  with  her  elbow  resting 
upon  the  sill  and  her  chin  supported  on  her  hand.  Her 
eyes  were  cast  down  until  her  eye-lashes  lay  like  inky  lines 
upon  her  snow-white  cheek.  Her  face,  of  classic  regularity 
and  marble  whiteness,  bore  a  ghastly  contrast  to  the  long 
eye-lashes,  arched  eye-brows  and  silken  ringlets,  black  as 
midnight.  She  might  have  been  a  statue  or  a  picture,  so 
motionless  she  sat. 

Conscious  of  the  wrong  of  gazing  upon  this  solitary 
woman,  Traverse  forced  his  looks  away  and  passed  on  down 
stairs,  where  he  again  met  the  old  doctor  and  Mademoiselle 
Angele  at  breakfast. 


THE  MYSTERIOUS  MANIAC. 


545 


After  breakfast.  Doctor  St.  Jean  invited  his  youDg 
assistant  to  accompany  him  on  a  round  of  visits  to  the  pa- 
tients, and  they  went  immediately  up  to  the  hall,  at  the  end 
of  which  Traverse  had  slept. 

These  are  our  incurables,  but  they  are  not  violent ; 
incurables  never  are.  Poor  Mademoiselle  !  she  has  just 
been  conveyed  to  this  ward,'^  said  the  doctor,  opening  the 
door  of  the  first  cell  on  the  right  at  the  head  of  the  stairs, 
and  admitting  Traverse  at  once  into  the  presence  of  the 
beautiful,  black-haired,  snow-faced  woman,  who  had  so 
much  interested  him. 

"  This  is  my  friend.  Doctor  Eocke,  Mademoiselle  ; 
Doctor,  this  is  my  friend.  Mademoiselle  Mont  De  St. 
Pierre  V 

Traverse  bowed  profoundly,  and  the  lady  arose,  curtsied 
and  resumed  her  seat,  saying  coldly  : 

^'I  have  told  you.  Monsieur,  never  to  address  me  as 
Mademoiselle  ;  you  persist  in  doing  so  ;  and  I  shall  never 
notice  the  insult  again. 

"Ten  thousand  pardons,  Madame  !  but  if  Madame  will 
always  look  so  young  !  so  beautiful  !  can  I  ever  remember 
that  she  is  a  widow  ?" 

The  classic  lip  of  the  woman  curled  in  scorn,  and  she 
disdained  a  reply. 

"I  take  an  appeal  to  Monsieur  Le  Docteur — Is  not 
Madame  young  and  beautiful  asked  the  Frenchman, 
turning  to  Traverse,  while  the  splendid  black  eyes  of  the 
stranger  passed  from  one  to  the  other. 

Traverse  caught  the  glance  of  the  lady  and  bowed  gravely. 
It  was  the  most  delicate,  and  proper  reply. 

She  smiled  almost  as  gravely,  and  with  a  much  kinder 
expression  than  any  she  had  bestowed  upon  the  Frenchman. 

"And  how  has  Madame  fared  during  my  absence  so 
long  ?  The  servants — have  they  been  respectful  ?  have 
they  been  observant  ?  have  they  been  obedient  to  the  will  of 


546 


THE  MYSTEEIOUS  MANIAC. 


Madame  ?  Madame  has  but  to  speak  !"  said  the  doctor, 
bowing  politely. 

Why  should  I  speak  when  every  word  I  utter  you 
believe,  or  affect  to  believe,  to  be  the  ravings  of  a  maniac  ? 
I  will  speak  no  more/^  said  the  lady,  turning  away  her 
superb  dark  eyes  and  looking  out  of  the  window. 

Ah,  Madame  will  not  so  punish  her  friend,  her  ser- 
vant !  her  slave  V 

A  gesture  of  fierce  impatience  and  disgust  was  the  only 
reply  deigned  by  the  lady. 

^'  Come  away  ;  she  is  angry  and  may  become  dan- 
geriously  excited,^^  said  the  old  doctor,  leading  the  way 
from  the  cell. 

Did  you  tell  me  this  lady  is  one  of  the  incurables 
inquired  Traverse,  when  they  had  left  her  apartment. 

Bah  !  yes,  poor  girl,  vera  incurable,  as  my  sister 
would  say."" 

Yet,  she  appears  to  me  to  be  perfectly  sane,  as  well  as 
exceedingly  beautiful  and  interesting.-'^ 

Ah,  bah  !  my  excellent  ;  my  admirable  ;  my  inexperi- 
enced young  friend,  that  is  all  you  know  of  lunatics. 
With  more  or  less  violence  of  assertion,  they  every  ono 
insist  upon  their  sanity  ;  just  as  criminals  protest  their 
innocence  !  Ah,  bah  !  you  sliall  go  into  every  cell  in  this 
ward,  and  not  find  one  lunatic  among  thcm,-'^  sneered  the 
old  doctor,  as  he  led  the  way  mto  the  next  little  room. 

It  was  indeed  as  he  had  foretold,  and  Traverse  Rocke 
found  himself  deeply  affected  by  the  melancholy,  the 
earnest,  and  sometimes  the  violent  manner  in  which  the 
poor  unfortunates  protested  their  sanity,  and  implored  or 
demanded  to  bo  restored  to  home  and  friends. 

''You  perceive,^'  said  the  doctor,  with  a  dry  laugh, 
''  that  they  are  none  of  them  crazy  V 

I  see,^^  said  Traverse,  ''but  I  also  detect  a  very  great 
difference  between  that  lovely  woman  in  the  south  cell  and 
these  other  inmates." 


THE  MYSTERIOUS  MANIAC. 


547 


Ball  !  ball  !  ball  !  she  is  more  beautiful  !  more  accom- 
plished  !  more  refined  than  the  others,  and  she  is  in  one  of 
her  lucid  intervals  !  that  is  all  !  but  as  to  a  ditferencc  be- 
tween her  insanity  and  that  of  other  patients,  it  lies  in  this, 
that  she  is  the  most  hopelessly  mad  of  the  whole  lot.  She 
has  been  mad  eighteen  years  1 

Is  it  possible  V  exclaimed  Traverse,  incredulously. 

She  lost  her  reason  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  and  she  is 
now  thirty-four — you  can  calculate 

It  is  amazing  and  yery  sorrowful  !  how  beautiful  she 

is  V 

"  Yes  ;  her  beauty  was  a  fatal  gift  !  It  is  a  sad  story  ! 
Ah,  it  is  a  sad  stoi-y  !  You  shall  hear  of  it  y/hen  we  get 
through.''^ 

^^I  can  connect  no  idea  of  woman^s  frailty  with  that 
refined  and  intellectual  face,^'  said  Traverse,  coldly. 

^^Ah,  bah  !  you  are  young  !  you  know  not  the  world  ! 
you  !  my  innocent,  my  excellent,  my  pious  young  friend 
said  the  old  doctor,  as  they  crossed  the  hall  to  go  into  the 
next  wing  of  the  building,  in  which  were  situated  the 
men^s  yrards. 

Traverse  found  nothing  that  particularly  interested 
him  in  this  department,  and  v/hen  they  had  concluded 
their  round  of  visits,  and  Avere  seated  together  in  the  old 
doctor's  study.  Traverse  asked  him  for  the  story  of  his 
beautiful  patient. 

The  doctor  shrugged  his  shonlders. 
It  is  a  story  miserable,  as  I  told  you  before.  A  gen- 
tleman, illustrious,  from  Virginia,  an  officer  high  in  the 
army,  and  distinguished  in  the  war,  he  brought  this 
woman  to  me  nearly  three  years  ago.  He  informed  me  that 
— eh  bien  !  I  had  better  tell  you  the  story  in  my  own 
manner.  This  young  lady.  Mademoiselle  Mont  de  St. 
Pierre,  is  of  a  family  noble  and  distinguished — a  relative 
of  this  officer,  illustrious  and  brave.  At  fifteen.  Mademoi- 
selle met  a  man,  handsome  and  without  honor.    Ah^  bah  ! 


548 


THE  MYSTERIOUS  MANIAC. 


you  understand  !  at  sixteen  the  child  became  a  fallen 
angel !  She  lost  her  reason  through  sorrow  and  shame  ! 
This  relative — this  gentleman,  illustrious  and  noble,  tender 
and  compassionate — took  her  to  the  seclusion  of  his  country 
house,  where  she  lived  in  elegance,  luxury  and  honor.  But 
as  the  years,  passed  her  malady  increased  ;  her  presence  be- 
came dangerous ;  in  a  word,  the  gentleman,  distinguished 
and  noble,  saw  the  advertisement  of  my  '  calm  retreat,^  my 
institution  incomparable,  and  he  wrote  to  me.  In  a  word, 
he  liked  my  terms,  and  brought  to  me  his  young  relative, 
so  lovely  and  so  unfortunate.  Ah  !  he  is  a  good  man,  this 
officer  so  gallant,  so  chivalrous  ;  but  she  is  ungrateful  !" 
Ungrateful  V 

Ah,  bah  !  yes  ;  it  is  the  way  with  lunatics  !  They 
ever  imagine  their  best  friends  to  be  their  worst  enemies  ! 
The  poor,  crazed  creature  fancies  that  she  is  the  sister-in- 
law  of  this  officer  illustrious  !  she  thinks  that  she  is  the 
widow  of  his  elder  brother,  whom  she  imagines  he  mur- 
dered, and  that  she  is  the  mother  of  children  whom  she 
says  he  has  abducted  or  destroyed,  so  that  he  may  enjoy 
the  estate  that  is  her  widow's  dower  and  their  orphans' 
patrimony  !  That  is  the  reason  why  she  insists  on  being 
called  Madame  instead  of  Mademoiselle,  and  we  indulge 
her  when  we  think  of  it." 

"  But  all  this  is  very  singular 

Ah,  bah  !  who  can  account  for  a  lunatic's  fancies  ? 
She  is  the  maddest  of  the  whole  lot  !  Sometimes  she  used 
to  become  so  violent^  that  we  would  have  to  restrain  her  ! 
But  lately.  Doctor  Wood  tells  me,  she  is  quite  still ;  that 
we  consider  a  bad  sign  ;  there  is  always  hope  for  lunatics 
until  they  begin  to  sink  into  this  state, said  the  doctor, 
witli  an  air  of  competency. 


tHE  MANIAC^S  STOBT. 


CHAPTER  LVII. 

THE  MAl^IAC^S  STORY. 

A  scheming  villian  forged  the  tale 

That  chains  me  in  this  dreary  cell, 
My  fate  unknown,  my  friends  bewail, 

O,  doctor,  haste  that  fate  to  tell  ? 
Oh,  haste,  ray  daughter's  heart  to  cheer, 

Her  heart,  at  once,  'twill  grieve  and  glad 
To  know,  tho'  chained  and  captive  here, 

I  am  not  mad  I  I  am  not  mad  1"      — M.  G.  Lewis. 

There  is  some  advantage  in  having  imagination,  since 
that  visionary  faculty  opens  the  mental  eyes  to  facts  that 
more  practical  and  duller  intellects  could  never  see. 

Traverse  was  young  and  romantic,  and  deeply  interested 
*in  the  doctor's  beautiful  patient.  He,  therefore,  did  not 
yield  his  full  credulity  to  the  tale  told  by  the  "  relative 
illustrious to  the  old  doctor,  as  to  the  history  and  cause 
of  the  lady^s  madness,  or  even  take  it  for  granted  that  she 
was  mad.  He  thought  it  quite  possible  that  the  distin- 
guished officer^s  story  might  be  a  wicked  fabrication,  to 
conceal  a  crime,  and  that  the  lady^s  "  crazy  fancy  might 
be  the  pure  truth. 

And  Traverse  had  heard  to  what  heinous  uses  private 
mad-houses  were  sometimes  put  by  some  unscrupulous  men, 
who  wished  to  get  certain  women  out  of  their  way,  yet  who 
shrank  from  bloodshed. 

And  he  thought  it  not  impossible  that  this  '^gentleman 
so  noble,  so  compassionate,  and  tender, might  be  just  such 
a  man,  and  this  fallen  angeP^  such  a  victim.  And  he 
determined  to  watch  and  observe.  And  he  farther  resolved 
to  treat  the  interesting  patient  with  all  the  studious  delicacy 


530 


THE  maniac's  STORr. 


and  respect  due  to  a  refined  and  accomplislied  woman  in  tlie 
full  possession  of  her  faculties.  If  she  were  really  mad, 
this  demeanor  would  not  hurt  her ;  and  if  she  v/ere  not 
mad^  it  was  the  only  proper  conduct  to  be  observed  towards 
her,  as  any  other  must  be  equally  cruel  and  offensive.  Her 
bodily  health  certainly  required  the  attendance  of  a  physi- 
cian, and  Traverse  had,  therefore,  a  fair  excuse  for  his  daily 
visits  to  her  cell. 

Hisrespeccful  manners,his  grave  bow,  and  his  reverential 
tone  in  saying — 

I  hope  I  find  you  stronger  to-day,  Madam,"  seemed  to 
gratify  one  who  had  few  sources  of  pleasure. 

I  thank  you,"  she  would  answer,  with  a  softened  tone 
and  look,  adding    yes,"  or    no,"  as  the  truth  might  be. 

One  day,  after  looking  at  the  young  physician  some  time, 
she  suddenly  said : 

You  never  forget  !  You  alwaj^s  address  me  by  my 
proper  title  of  Madam,  and  without  the  touch  of  irony  which 
others  indulge  in  when  Miumoring^  me  as  they  call  it  ! 
!N"ow,  pray  explain  to  me  why,  in  sober  earnest,  you  give  me 
this  title  ?" 

Because,  Madam,  I  have  heard  you  lay  claim  to  that 
title,  and  I  think  that  you,  yourself,  of  all  the  world,  have 
the  best  right  to  know  how  you  should  be  addressed,"  said 
Traverse,  respectfully. 

The  lady  looked  wistfully  at  him,  and  said — 

"  But  my  next-door  neighbor  asserts  that  ^/ie  is  a  queen  ; 
she  insists  upon  being  called  'your  majesty.^  Has  she, 
then,  the  best  right  to  know  how  she  should  be  addressed  ?" 

''Alas  !  no.  Madam;  and  I  am  pained  that  you  sb.ould 
do  yourself  the  great  wrong  to  draw  such  comparisons." 

"Why?  Am  not  I  and  the  'queen'  inmates  of  the 
same  ward  of  incurables,  in  the  same  lunatic  asylum  ?" 

"  Yes,  but  not  with  equal  justice  of  cause.  The 
'  queen '  is  a  hopelessly  deranged,  but  happy  lunatic.  You, 
Madam,  are  a  lady  who  has  retained  the  full  possession  o 


THE  AIAXIAC*S  STORT. 


551 


your  faculties  amid  circaimstances  and  siiiToiiii dings  that 
must  have  oTer^vhelmed  the  reason  of  a  breaker  mind." 

The  ladv  looked  a:  lum  in  wonder  and  almost  in  joy. 

'■''Ah.  it  v-as  not  the  strength  of  my  mind,  it  ^ras  the 
strength  of  the  Almighty  upon  whom  my  mind  was  stayed 
for  time  and  for  eternity,  that  has  saved  my  reason  in  all 
these  manv  years  I  Bnt  how  did  you  know  th::t  I  was  not 
mad  ?  How  do  yon  know  tLat  this  is  anything  more  than 
a  lucid  interval  of  longer  duration  than  usual     she  asked. 

'^3Iadam,  you  will  forgive  me  for  having  looked  at  yon 
60  closely  and  watched  yon  so  constantly,  but  I  am  your 
physician,  yon  know  

^' I  have  nothing  to  forgive  and  mnch  to  thank  yon  for, 
yoting  man.  Yon  have  an  honest,  trnthf  ul,  frank  young 
face  I  the  only  one  such  that  I  have  seen  in  eighteen  years 
of  sorrow  ?  Bnt  why,  then,  did  yon  not  believe  the 
doctor  ?  ^hy  did  you  not  take  the  fact  of  my  insanity 
upon  trust,  as  others  did  she  asked,  fixing  her  glorions 
dark  eyes  inquiringly  upon  his  face. 

Madam,  from  the  fijst  moment  in  which  I  saw  yon,  I 
disbelieved  the  story  of  yonr  insanity  and  mentioned  my 
donbts  to  Doctor  St.  Jean  

 '^Who  ridiculed  yonr  donbts,  of  course.     I  can 

readily  believe  that  he  did.  Doctor  St.  Jean  is  not  a  very 
bad  man  ;  but  he  is  a  charlatan  and  a  dullard ;  he 
received  the  story  of  my  reported  insanity  as  he  received 
me,  as  an  advantage  to  his  institution  ;  and  he  ncTcr  gave 
himself  the  unprofitable  trorible  to  investigate  the  circum- 
stances. I  told  him^  -^-  ;:h  about  myself  as  c;ilmly  as  I 
now  speak  to  you  :  hut  soniebody  else  had  told  him  that 
this  truth  was  the  fiction  of  a  deranged  imagination,  and 
he  found  it  more  convenient  and  profitable  to  believe  some- 
body else  I  But  again  I  ask  you,  why  were  not  you  also, 
so  discreetly  obtuse  T' 

^Oladam,"  said  Traverse,  blushing  ingenuously,  '"'I 
hope  you  will  forgive  me  for  saying  that  it  is  impossible 


552 


THE  maniac's  story. 


any  one  could  see  you  without  becoming  deeply  interested 
in  your  fate.  Your  face.  Madam,  speaks  equally  of  pro- 
found sorrows  and  of  saintly  resignation.  I  saw  no  sign  of 
madness  there  !  In  the  calm  depths  of  those  sad  eyes, 
lady,  I  know  that  the  fires  of  insanity  never  could  have 
burned.  Pardon  me  that  I  looked  at  you  so  closely  ;  I  was 
your  physician,  aud  was  most  deeply  anxious  concerning 
my  patient.^' 

I  thank  you  ;  may  the  Lord  bless  you  ;  perhaps  He 
has  sent  you  here  for  my  relief  ;  for  you  are  right,  young 
friend ;  you  are  altogether  right ;  I  have  been  wild  with 
grief,  frantic  with  despair,  but  never  for  one  hour  in  the 
whole  course  of  my  life  have  I  been  insane.^' 

I  believe  you.  Madam,  on  my  sacred  honor,  I  do  V 
said  Traverse,  fervently. 

*^  And  yet  you  could  get  no  one  about  this  place  to 
believe  you  !  They  have  taken  my  brother-in-law^s  false 
story,  endorsed  as  it  is  by  the  doctor-proprietor,  for  granted. 
And  just  so  long  as  I  persist  in  telling  my  true  story,  they 
will  consider  me  a  monomaniac,  and  so  often  as  the  thought 
of  my  many  wrongs  and  sorrows,  combines  with  the  ner- 
vous irritability  to  which  every  woman  is  occasionally  sub- 
ject, and  makes  me  rave  with  imjDatience  and  excitement, 
they  will  report  me  a  dangerous  lunatic,  subject  to  periodi- 
cal atiyacks  of  violent  frenzy;  but,  young  man,  even  at  my 
worst  I  am  no  more  mad  than  any  other  woman,  wild  with 
grief  and  hysterical  through  nervous  irritation,  might  at 
any  time  become  without  having  her  sanity  called  in  ques- 
tion.'' 

"  I  am  sure  that  you  are  not,  nor  ever  could  have  been, 
Madam.  The  nervous  excitement  of  which  you  speak  is 
entirely  within  the  control  of  medicine,  which  mania 
proper  is  not.  You  will  use  the  means  that  I  prescribe  and 
your  continued  calmness  will  go  far  to  convince  even  these 
dullards  that  they  have  been  wrong/' 

"  I  will  do  everything  you  recommend ;  indeed  for  some 


THE  MANIAC'S  STOEY. 


55g 


weeks  before  you  came^  I  had.  put  a  constraint  upon  myself 
and  forced  myself  to  be  yery  still ;  but  the  effect  of  that 
was^  that  acting  upon  their  theory  they  said  that  I  was 
sinking  into  the  last  or  '  melancholy-mad  ^  state  of  mania, 
and  they  put  me  in  here  with  the  incurables/-' 

Lady/''  said  Traverse  respectfully  taking  lier  hand, 
*'now  that  I  am  acquainted  in  some  slight  degree  with  the 
story  of  your  heavy  wrongs,  do  not  suppose  that  I  will  ever 
leave  you,  until  I  see  you  restored  to  your  friends/^ 

Friends  !  ah  !  young  man,  do  you  really  suppose,  that 
if  I  had  friends,  I  should  have  been  left  thus  long  un- 
sought ?  I  have  no  friends.  Doctor  Eocke,  except  your- 
self, newly  sent  me  by  the  Lord  !  nor  any  relatives  except  a 
young  daughter  whom  1  have  seen  but  twice  in  my  life  ! — 
once  upon  the  dreadful  night  when  she  was  born  and  torn 
away  from  my  sight,  and  once  about  two  years  ago,  when 
she  must  have  been  sixteen  years  of  age.  My  little  daugh- 
ter does  not  know  that  she  has  a  poor  mother  living,  and  I 
have  no  friends  upon  earth  but  you,  whom  the  Lord  has 
sent/' 

And  not  in  vain  I^'  said  Travese,  fervently  ;  though 
you  have  no  other  friends,  yet  you  have  the  law  to  protect 
you.  I  will  make  your  case  knovrn,  and  restore  you  to 
liberty  !  Then  lady,  listen  !  I  have  a  good  mother  to  v/hom 
suffering  has  taught  sympathy  with  the  unfortunate  ;  and 
I  have  a  lovely  betrothed  bride,  whom  you  will  for^ve  her 
lover  for  thinking  an  angel  in  woman's  form  ;  and  we  have 
a  beautiful  home  among  the  hills  of  Virginia;  and  you 
shall  add  to  our  happiness  by  living  with  us.'^ 

The  lady  looked  at  Trave]?se  Eocke  with  astonishment 
and  incredulity. 

Boy,'^  she  said,  do  you  know  what  you  are  promis- 
ing— to  assume  the  whole  burden  of  (he  support  of  a  use- 
less woman  for  her  whole  life  !  What  would  your  mother 
or  promised  wife  say  to  such  a  proposition 

"Ah  !  you  do  not  know  my  dear  mother,  nor  my  Clara, 


554 


THE  maniac's  SfOEY. 


no,  nor  even  me.  I  tell  you  the  truth  when  I  say  that  your 
coming  among  us  would  make  us  happier.  Oh,  Madam,  I 
myself  owe  so  much  to  the  Lord,  and  to  his  instruments, 
the  benevolent  of  this  world,  for  all  that  has  been  done  for 
me,  I  seize  with  gratitude  the  chance  to  serve  in  my  turn 
any  of  His  suffering  children  !    Pray  believe  me  V 

^^I  do  !  I  do.  Doctor  Rocke  !  I  see  that  life  has  not 
deprived  you  of  a  generous,  youthful  enthusiasm,-'^  said  the 
lady,  witli  the  tears  welling  up  mto  her  glorious  black 
eyes. 

After  a  little,  with  a  smile,  she  held  out  her  hand  to 
him,  saying  : 

Young  friend,  if  you  should  succeed  in  freeing  me 
from  this  prison,  and  establish  my  sanity  before  a  court  of 
justice,  I  and  my  daughter  will  come  into  immediate  pos- 
session of  one  of  the  largest  estates  in  your  native  Virj.-inia  ! 
Sit  down.  Doctor  Eocke,  while  I  tell  you  my  true  story,  and 
much,  very  much  more  of  it  than  I  have  ever  confided  to  any 
human  being. 

Lady,  I  am  very  impatient  to  hear  your  histor}^,  but  I 
am  your  physician,  and  must  first  consider  yoor  licaltb. 
You  have  been  sufficiently  excited  for  one  day  ;  it  is  late  : 
take  your  tea  and  retire  early  to  bed.  To-morrow  morning, 
after  I  have  visited  the  wards  and  you  have  taken  your 
breakfast,  I  will  come,  and  you  shall  tell  me  the  story  of 
your  life/' 

"  I  will  do  whatever  you  think  best,''  said  the  lady. 
Traverse  lifted  her  hand  to  his  lips,  bowed,  and  retreated 
from  the  cell. 

That  same  night  Traverse  wrote  to  his  friend  Herbert 
Greyson  in  Mexico,  and  to  his  mother  and  Clara,  describing 
his  interesting  patient,  though  as  yet  he  could  tell  but  little 
of  her,  not  even  in  fact  her  real  name,  but  promising  fuller 
particulars  next  time,  and  declaring  his  intention  of  bringing 
her  home  for  the  present  to  their  house. 


END  OF  THE  LADy's  STORY. 


555 


CHAPTER  LVIII. 

END  OF  THE  LADY's  STOBY, 

**  Oi  the  present  naught  is  bright, 
But  in  the  coming  years  I  see 
A  brilliant  and  a  cheerful  light, 

Which  burns  before  thee  constantly." 

— W.  D.  Gallagher. 

At  the  appointed  hour  the  next  morning,  Traverse 
Rocke  repaired  to  the  cell  of  his  mysterious  patient. 

He  was  pleased  to  find  her  np  and  dressed  with  more 
than  Tisual  care  and  taste^  and  looking,  upon  the  whole, 
much  better  in  health  and  spirits  than  upon  the  preceding 
day. 

Ah,  my  young  hero,  is  it  you  ?  You  see  that  I  am 
ready  for  you,^'  she  said,  liolding  out  her  hand. 

^'  Yon  are  looking  yery  well  this  morning  V'  said  Trav- 
erse, smiling. 

'"^Yes,  hope  is  a  fine  tonic.  Doctor  Rocke. 
She  was  seated  by  tlie  same  window  at  which  Traverse 
had  first  seen  her,  and  she  now  beckoned  the  young  doctor 
to  come  and  take  a  seat  near  her. 

My  story  is  almost  as  melo-dramatic  as  a  modern 
romance,  Doctor  Rocke, she  said. 
Traverse  bowed  gravely  and  Avaited. 
My  father  was  a  French  patriot,  who  suffered  death 
in  the  cause  of  liberty,  when  I,  his  only  child,  was  but 
fourteen  years  of  age.  My  mother,  broken-hearted  by  his 
loss,  followed  him  within  a  few  months.  I  was  left  an 
orphan  and  penniless,  for  our  estate  was  confiscated." 

Ah,  your  sorrows  came  early  and  heavily  indeed,''  said 
Traverse. 


55G 


END  OF  THE  LADY's  STORY. 


Yes  ;  well !  a  former  servant  of  my  father,  held  an 
humble  situation  of  porter,  on  the  ground  floor  of  a  house, 
the  several  floors  of  which  were  let  out  to  different  lodgers. 
This  poor  mfin  and  his  wife  gave  me  a  temporary  home  with 
themselves.  Among  the  lodgers  of  the  house  there  was  a 
young  Virginian  gentleman  of  fortune,  traveling  for  pleas- 
ure and  improvement,  whose  name  was  Mr.  Eugene  Le 
Noir.'^ 

*^  Le  Noir  !  cried  Traverse  with  a  violent  start. 
Yes  !  what  is  the  matter  V 

It  is  a  familiar  Virginian  name.  Madam,  that  is  all  ; 
pray  go  on.^^ 

Mr.  Le  ISToir  was  as  good  and  kind  as  he  was  wise  and 
cultivated.  He  used  to  stop  to  gossip  with  old  Cliquot  every 
time  he  stopped  at  the  porter^s  room  to  take  or  to  leave  his 
key.  There  lie  heard  of  the  poor  little  orphan  of  the  guillo- 
tine, who  had  no  friend  in  the  world  but  her  fathers  old 
servant.  He  pitied  me,  and  after  many  consultations  with 
Father  and  Mother  Cliquot,  he  assumed  the  position  of 
guardian  to  me,  and  placed  me  at  one  of  the  best  schools  in 
Paris.  He  lingered  in  the  city  and  came  to  sec  me  very 
often  ;  but  always  saw  me  in  the  presence  of  Madam,  the 
directress.  I  clung  to  him  with  the  affection  for  a  father  or 
an  elder  brother,  and  I  knew  he  loved  me  with  the  tender, 
protecting  affection  that  he  would  have  given  a  younger 
sister,  had  he  possessed  one.  Ah  !  Doctor  Eocke,  tell  me 
besides  yourself,  are  there  many  other  men  in  your  State 
like  Jii7n  f 

I  knew  but  one  such  ;  but  go  on,  dear  madam." 

When  I  had  been  to  school  some  months,  he  came  to 
me  one  day  scarcely  able  to  conceal  his  woe  !  He  told  me 
that  his  father  was  ill  and  that  he  should  have  to  sail  in 
the  first  packet  from  Havre,  and  that  in  fact  he  had  then 
come  to  take  leave  of  me.  I  was  wild  with  grief,  not 
only  upon  his  account  but  upon  my  own,  at  tlie  prospect 
of  losing  him,  my  only  friend  !    I  was  but  a  child,  and  a 


END  OF  THE  LADy's  STORY. 


557 


French  child  to  boot.  I  knew  nothing  of  the  world  ;  I  re- 
garded this  noble  gentleman,  wlio  was  so  much  my  superior 
in  years  as  in  everything  else,  as  a  father,  guardian  or  elder 
brother,  so  in  an  agony  of  grief,  I  threw  myself  into  his  arms, 
sobbing  and  weeping  bitterly,  and  imploring  him  not  to 
break  my  heart  by  leaving  me  !  It  was  in  vain  madame 
the  Directress  exclaimed  and  expostulated  at  these  impro- 
prieties. I  am  sure  I  did  not  hear  a  word  until  he  spoke. 
Putting  me  out  of  his  arms  he  said  : 

"  ^  I  must  go,  my  child,  duty  calls  me.' 

^'  ^  Then  take  me  with  you— take  your  poor  little  one 
with  you,  and  do  not  pull  her  out  of  your  warm,  good 
heart,  or  she  will  wither  and  die  like  a  poor  flower  torn  up 
by  the  roots  V  I  cried,  between  my  sobs  and  tears. 
He  drew  me  back  to  his  bosom  and  whispered  : 

^'  '  There  is  but  one  way  in  which  I  can  take  you  with 
me,  my  child.    Will  you  be  my  wife,  little  Capitolie 

Capitola  !"  cried  Traverse,  with  another  great  start. 

"Yes  ;  why  ?  what  is  the  matter  now  V 
Why,  it  is  such  an  odd  name,  that  is  all.     Pray  pro- 
ceed. Madam.'' 

^'  We  were  married  the  same  day,  and  sailed  the  third 
morning  thereafter  from  Havre  for  the  United  States, 
where  we  arrived,  alas  !  only  to  find  the  noble  gentleman, 
my  Eugene's  father,  laid  in  his  grave.  After  Mr.  Le  Noir's 
natural  grief  was  over,  we  settled  down  peaceably  to  our 

country  life  at  the  Hidden  House  " 

The  Hidden   Heuse  I"    again  exclaimed  Traverse 
Rocke. 

"  Yes  ;  that  is  another  odd  name,  isn't  it  ?  Well  I  was 
very  happy.  At  first,  when  I  understood  my  real  position, 
I  had  been  afraid  that  my  husband  had  married  me  only 
from  compassion  ;  but  he  soon  proved  to  me  that  his  love 
was  as  high,  as  pure,  and  as  noble  as  himself.  I  was  very 
happy  !  But  one  day,  in  the  midst  of  my  exultant  joy,  a 
thunderbolt  fell  and  shattered  my  peace  to  destruction  for- 


558 


END  OF  THE  LADt's  STOET. 


ever  !  Oh,  Dr.  Eocke,  my  hiist:)ancl  was  miirdcrcd  by  some 
unknown  hand  in  his  own  woods,  in  open  day.  I  cannot 
talk  of  this !"  cried  the  widow,  breaking  down,  over- 
whelmed with  the  rush  of  terrible  recollections. 

Traverse  poured  ont  a  glass  of  water,  and  handed  it  to 
her. 

She  drank  it,  made  an  effort  at  self-control,  and 
resumed  : 

Thus,  scarcely  sixteen  years  of  age,  I  was  a  widow, 
helpless,  penniless,  and  entirely  dependent  upon  my 
brother-in-law.  Colonel  Gabriel  Le  JToir  ;  for  by  the  terms 
of  their  father^s  will,  if  Eugene  died  without  issue,  the 
whole  property  descended  to  his  younger  brother,  Gabriel. 
To  speak  the  truth,  Colonel  Le  Noir  was  exceedingly  kind 
to  me  after  my  awfnl  bereavement,  until  a  circumstance 
was  discovered  that  changed  all  our  relations.  It  was  two 
months  after  my  husband's  death,  that  I  discovered  with 
mingled  emotions  of  joy  and  sorrow,  that  Heaven  had  cer- 
tainly destined  me  to  become  a  mother.  I  kept  my 
cherished  secret  to  myself  as  long  as  it  was  possible,  but  it 
could  not  indeed  be  long  concealed  from  the  household.  I 
believe  that  my  brother-in-law  was  the  first  to  suspect  it. 
He  called  me  into  his  study  one  day  and  I  obeyed  like  a 
child.  And  there  he  rudely  questioned  me  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  my  sacred  mother-mystery.  He  learned  the  truth, 
more  from  my  silence  than  from  my  replies,  for  I  could 
not  answer  him.^^ 

The  brute  !  the  miserable  hound  ejaculated  Trav- 
erse. 

*'0h.  Dr.  Rocke,  I  could  not  tell  you  the  avalanche  of 
abuse,  insult,  and  invective  that  he  hurled  upon  my 
defenceless  head.  He  accused  me  of  more  crimes  than  I 
had  ever  heard  talk  of.  He  told  me  that  my  condition  was 
an  impossible  one  unless  I  had  been  false  to  the  memory  of 
his  brother  ;  that  I  had  dishonored  his  name,  disgraced  his 
house,  and  brought  myself  to  shame  ;  that  I  should  leave 


END  OF  THE  LADl's  STORY. 


559 


the  roof;,  leave  the  neighborhood,  and  die  as  I  deserved  to 
die,  in  a  ditch  I  I  made  no  rejDly.  I  was  crushed  into  si- 
lence under  the  weight  of  his  reproaches/'' 

^'The  caitiff  !  the  poltroon  !  Ah,  poor  stranger,  why 
did  you  not  leave  the  house  at  once  and  throw  yourself  upon 
the  protection  of  the  minister  of  your  parish,  or  some  other 
kind  neighbor  T' 

"  Alas,  I  was  a  child,  a  widow,  and  a  foreigner,  all  in 
one.  I  did  not  know  your  land,  or  your  laws,  or  your  peo- 
ple. I  was  not  hopeful  or  coufident,  I  had  suffered  so 
cruelly,  and  I  was  overwhelmed  by  his  abnse."' 

But  did  you  not  knoAv,  dear  lady,  that  all  his  rage  was 
aroused  only  by  the  fact  that  the  birth  of  your  child  would 
disinherit  him  T' 

"  Ah,  no.  I  was  not  aware,  at  that  time,  that  Gabriel 
Le  jSToir  was  a  villain.  I  thought  his  anger  hones r,  though 
unjast ;  and  I  was  as  ignorant  as  a  child — I  had  no  mother 
nor  matronly  friend  to  instruct  me.  I  know  that  I  had 
broken  no  command  of  God  or  man — that  I  had  been  a 
faithful  wife,  but  when  Gabriel  Le  Xoir  accused  me  vith 
such  bitter  earnestness,  I  feared  that  some  strange  depart- 
ure from  the  usual  course  of  nature  had  occurred  for  my 
destruction.  And  I  was  overwhelmed  by  mortification, 
terror,  and  despair. 

^^Ah,  the  villain  I"  exclaimed  Traverse,  between  his 
teetli. 

^^He  told  me  at  last,  that,  to  save  the  memory  of  his 
dead  brother  he  would  hide  my  dishonor  ;  and  he  ordered 
me  to  seclude  myself  from  the  sight  of  all  persons.  I 
obeyed  him  like  a  slave,  grateful  even  for  the  shelter  of  his 
roof.'^ 

A  roof  that  was  your  own  as  he  very  well  knew.  And 
he  knew  also,  the  caitiff,  that  if  the  circumstance  became 
known,  the  whole  State  vrould  have  protected  you  in  your 
rights,  and  ejected  him  like  a  cur.'^ 


B60 


END  OF  THE  LADY's  STORt. 


Issij,  even  in  that  case  no  harm  should  hav6  reached 
him  on  my  account.    He  was  my  husband^s  brother." 
"And  worst  enemy.    But  proceed,  dear  lady." 

Well,  I  secluded  myself  as  he  commanded.  For  four 
months  I  never  left  the  attic  to  which  he  had  ordered  me 
to  retreat.  At  the  end  of  that  time  I  became  the  mother 
of  twins — a  boy  and  a  girl.  The  boy  only  opened  his  eyes 
on  this  world  to  close  them  again  directly.  The  girl  was 
living  and  healthy.  The  old  nurse  who  attended  me  had 
an  honest  and  compassionate  face  ;  I  persuaded  her  to 
secrete  and  save  the  living  child,  and  to  present  the  dead 
babe  to  Colonel  Le  Noir  as  the  only  one  ;  for  the  suspicions 
that  had  never  been  awakened  for  myself  were  alarmed  for 
my  child.  I  instinctively  felt  that  he  would  have  destroyed 
it." 

"  The  mother's  instinct  is  like  inspiration,"  said 
Traverse. 

"  It  may  be  so  !  well,  the  old  woman  pitied  me  and  did 
as  I  desired.  She  took  the  dead  child  to  Colonel  Le  l^oir, 
who  carried  it  off,  and  afterwards  buried  it  as  the  sole  heir 
of  his  elder  brother.  The  old  woman  carried  off  my  living 
child  and  my  wedding  ring,  concealed  under  her  amjDle 
shawl.  Anxiety  for  the  fate  of  my  child  caused  me  to  do 
what  nothing  else  on  earth  would  have  tempted  me  to  do — 
to  creep  about  the  halls  and  passages  on  tiptoe  and  under 
cover  of  the  night,  and  listen  at  keyholes,"  said  the  lady, 
blushing  deeply  at  the  recollection. 

"  You — you  were  perfectly  right,  Mrs.  Le  Noir  !  In  a 
den  of  robbers,  where  your  life  and  honor  were  always  at 
stake,  you  could  have  done  no  otherwise  V  exclaimed  Trav- 
erse, warmly. 

''I  learned  by  this  means  that  my  poor  old  nurse  had 
paid  with  her  liberty  for  her  kindness  to  me.  She  had  been 
abducted  and  forced  from  her  native  country  together  with 
a  child  found  in  her  possession,  which  they  evidently  sus- 
pected and  I  knew  to  be  mine.    Oh  heaven  I  the  agony 


EKD  OF  THE  LADY's  STORY. 


561 


then  of  thinking  of  what  might  be  her  unfortunate  fate, — 
worse  than  death,  perhaps  !  I  felt  that  I  had  only  succeeded 
in  saving  her  life  ; — doubtful  good  !" 

Here  Mrs.  Le  Noir  paused  in  thought  for  a  few  moments 
and  then  resumed. 

It  is  the  memory  of  a  long,  dreary  and  hopeless  im- 
prisonment, my  recollection  of  my  residence  in  that  house  ! 
In  the  same  manner  in  which  I  gained  all  my  information, 
I  learned  that  it  was  reported  in  the  neighborhood  that  I 
had  gone  mad  with  grief  for  the  loss  of  my  husband  and 
that  I  was  an  inmate  of  a  mad-house  in  the  north  !  It  was 
altogether  false  !  I  never  left  the  Hidden  House  in  all  those 
years  until  about  two  years  ago.  My  life  there  was  dreary 
beyond  all  conception.  I  was  forbidden  to  go  out  or  to 
appear  at  a  window  !  I  had  the  whole  attic,  containing 
some  eight  or  ten  rooms,  to  rove  over,  but  I  was  forbidden 
to  descend.  An  iil-Iooking  woman,  called  Dorcas  Knight, 
between  whom  and  the  elder  Le  Noir  there  seemed  to  have 
been  some  sinf  nl  bond,  was  engaged  ostensibly  as  my  attend- 
ant ;  but  really  as  my  jailer.  Nevertheless,  when  the  sense 
of  confinement  grew  intolerable  I  sometimes  eluded  her 
vigilance  and  wandered  about  the  house  at  night." 

Thence  no  doubt/'  said  Traverse,  '^giving  rise  to  the 
report  that  the  house  was  haunted  V 

Mrs.  Le  Noir  smiled,  saying  : 
I  believe  the  Le  Noirs  secretly  encouraged  that  re- 
port !  I'll  tell  you  why.  They  gave  me  a  chamber  lamp 
enclosed  in  an  intense  blue  shade,  that  cast  a  strange  un- 
earthly light  around.  Their  ostensible  reason  was  to  ensure 
my  safety  from  fire.  Their  real  reason  was  that  this  light 
might  be  seen  from  without  in  what  was  reputed  to  be  an 
uninhabited  portion  of  the  house,  and  give  color  to  its  bad 
reputation  among  the  ignorant  of  being  haunted  V' 

''So  much  for  the  origin  of  one  authenticated  ghost 
story,''  said  Traverse. 

"  Yes  !  and  there  was  still  more  circumstantial  evidence 


562 


END  OF  THE  LADY's  STORY. 


to  saj3port  this  ghostly  reputation  of  the  house.  As  the 
years  passed  I  had,  even  in  my  confined  state,  gathered 
knowledge  in  one  way  and  another — picking  up  stray 
hooks  and  hearing  stray  conversation  ;  and  so,  in  the  end 
I  learned  hov/  gross  a  deception  and  how  great  a  wrong  had 
been  practised  upon  me.  I  was  not  wise  or  cunning.  I 
betrayed  constantly  to  my  attendant  my  knowledge  of  these 
things.  In  consequence  of  which  my  confinement  became 
still  more  restricted.''^ 

"  Yes,  they  were  afraid  of  you,  and  fear  is  always  the 
mother  of  cruelty,^"  said  Traverse. 

"  Well,  from  the  time  that  I  became  enlightened  as  to 
my  real  position,  all  my  faculties  were  upon  the  alert  to 
find  means  of  escaping  and  making  my  condition  known  to 
the  authorities.  One  night  they  had  a  guest.  Colonel 
Eglen,  of  the  army.  Old  Dorcas  had  her  hands  full,  and 
forgot  her  prisoner.  My  door  was  left  unlocked.  So,  long 
after  Colonel  Eglcn  had  retired  to  rest,  and  when  all  the 
household  were  buried  in  repose,  I  left  my  attic  and  crept 
down  to  the  chamber  of  the  guest,  with  no  other  purpose 
than  to  make  known  my  wrongs  and  appeal  to  his  compas- 
sioQ.  I  entered  his  chamber,  approached  his  bed  to  speak 
to  him,  when  this  hero  of  a  hundred  fields  started  up  in  a 
panic,  and  at  the  sight  of  the  pale  woman  who  drew  his 
curtains  in  the  dead  of  night,  he  shrieked,  violently  rang 
his  bell,  and  fainted  prone  away 

'Tla  !  ha  !  ha  !  he  could  brave  an  army,  or  march  into 
a  cannon^s  mouth,  easier  than  meet  a  supposed  denizen  of 
another  world  !    Well,  Doctor  Johnson  believed  in  ghosts, 
laughed  Traverse. 

"  It  remained  for  me  to  retreat  as  fast  as  possible  to  my 
room,  to  avoid  the  Le  ISToirs,  who  were  hurrying  with  head- 
long speed  to  the  guest-chamber.  They  knew,  of  course, 
that  I  was  the  ghost,  although  they  affected  to  treat  their 
visitor^s  story  as  a  dream.  After  that  my  confinement  was 
so  strict  that  for  years  I  had  no  opportunity  of  leaving  my 


END  OF  THE  LADY's  STOET. 


663 


f.'ttic.  At  last  the  strict  esj)ionage  Tras  relaxed.  Sometiiiies 
my  door  would  be  left  unlocked.  Upon  one  such  occasion, 
in  creeping  about  in  the  dark.  I  learned,  by  over-hearing  a 
conversation  between  Le  Xoir  and  his  housekeeper,  that  my 
lono"  lost  dauD'hter.  Caiitola.  bad  been  found,  and  was  liv- 
ing  at  Hurricane  Hall  I  This  was  enough  to  comfort  me 
for  years.  About  three  years  ago,  the  surveillance  over  me 
was  so  modified  that  I  was  left  again  to  roam  ab'out  the  upper 
rooms  of  the  house  at  will,  until  I  learned  that  they  had  a 
new  inmate,  young  Cbira  Day,  a  ward  of  Le  Xoir  I  Oh, 
how  I  longed  to  warn  that  child  to  fly  I  But  I  could  not  I 
Alas,  again  I  was  restricted  to  my  own  room,  lest  I  should 
be  seen  by  her  I  But  again,  up:m  one  occasion,  old  Dorcas 
forgot  to  lock  my  door  at  night.  I  stole  forth  from  my  room 
and  learned  that  a  young  girl,  caught  out  in  the  storm,  was 
to  stay  all  night  at  the  Hidden  House.  Youna"  girls  wore 
not  plentiful  in  that  neighb  trhood,  I  knew  I  Besides,  some 
secret  instinct  told  nie  that  this  was  my  daughrer.  I  knew 
that  she  would  sleep  in  tlie  chamber  under  mine,  because 
that  Avas  the  only  habitable  guest-room  in  the  whole  house. 
In  the  dead  of  night  I  left  my  room  and  went  below  and 
entei'ed  the  chamber  of  the  young  girl.  I  went  first  to  the 
toilet  table  to  see  if  among  her  little  girlish  ornaments.  I 
could  find  any  cltie  to  her  identity.  I  found  it  in  a  plain, 
gold  ring — the  same  that  I  had  entrusted  to  the  old  nurse. 
Some  strange  impulse  caused  me  to  slip  the  ring  ujDon  mv 
finger.  Then  I  went  to  the  bed  and  threw  aside  the  cur- 
tains to  gaze  upon  the  sleeper.  My  girl  I  my  own  girl  I 
"With  what  strange  sensations  I  first  looked  upon  her  face  ! 
Her  eyes  were  ojxn  and  fixed  upon  mine  in  a  j^anic  of  terror. 
I  stooped  to  press  my  lips  to  hers  and  she  closed  her  eyes  in 
mortal  fear.  I  carried  nothing  but  terror  vrith  me  I  I  with- 
drew from  the  room  and  went  back,  sobbing,  to  my  chamber. 
My  poor  girl,  next  morning,  unconsciously,  betrayed  her 
mother.    It  had  nearly  cost  me  my  life. 

"When  the  Le  Xoirs  came  home,  the  first  night  of  their 


664 


END  OF  THE  LADy's  STORY. 


arrival  tliej  entered  my  room^  seized  me  in  my  bed,  and 
dragged  me  shrieking  from  it  1'^ 

Good  heaven  !  what  punishment  is  sufficient  for  such 
wretches  V  exclaimed  Traverse,  starting  up  and  pacing  the 
narrow  limits  of  the  cell. 

"  Listen  !  They  soon  stopped  both  my  shrieks  and  my 
breath  at  once  !  I  lost  consciousness  for  a  time,  and  when 
I  awoke  I  found  myself  in  a  close  carriage,  rattling  over  a 
mountain  road,  through  the  night.  Late  the  next  morn- 
ing we  reached  an  uninhabited  country-house,  where  I  was 
again  imprisoned,  in  charge  of  an  old  dumb  woman  whom 
Le  Noir  called  Mrs.  Eaven.  This  1  afterv/ards  understood 
to  be  Willow  Heights,  the  property  of  the  orphan  heiress, 
Clara  Day.  A.nd  here,  also,  for  the  term  of  my  stay,  the 
presence  of  the  unknown  inmate  got  the  house  the  reputa- 
tion of  being  haunted.  The  old  dumb  woman  was  a  shade 
kinder  to  me  than  Dorcas  Knight  had  been  ;  but  I  did  not 
stay  in  her  charge  very  long.  One  night  the  Le  Noirs  came 
in  hot  haste.  The  young  heiress  had  been  delivered  from 
their  charge  by  a  decree  of  the  Orphans^  Court,  and  they 
had  to  give  up  her  house.  I  was  drugged  and  hurried 
away.  Some  narcotic  sedative  must  have  been  insinuated 
into  my  food,  for  I  was  in  a  state  of  semi-insensibility  and 
mild  delirium  during  the  whole  course  of  a  long  journey 
by  land  and  sea,  which  passed  to  me  like  a  dream,  and  at 
the  end  of  which  I  found  myself  here.  No  doubt,  from 
the  excessive  use  of  narcotics,  there  was  something  wild 
and  stupid  in  my  manner  and  appearance  that  justified  the 
charge  of  madness.  And  when  I  found  that  I  was  a  pris- 
oner, in  a  lunatic  asylum,  far,  far  away  from  the  neighbor- 
hood where,  at  least,  I  had  once  been  known,  I  gave  way 
to  the  wilder  grief  that  further  confirmed  the  story  of  my 
madness.  I  have  been  here  two  years,  occasionally  giving 
way  to  outbursts  of  wild  despair,  that  the  doctor  calls 
frenzy.     I  was  sinking  into  an  apathy  when  one  day  I 


END  OF  THE  LADy's  STORY. 


565 


opened  the  little  Bible  that  lay  ui3on  tlie  table  of  ni}'  ceil. 
I  fixed  upon  the  last  chapters  in  the  gospel  of  John.  That 
namuire  of  meek  patience  and  divine  love  I  It  did  for  me 
what  no  power  nnder  that  of  God  conld  have  done.  It 
saved  me  !  it  saved  me  from  madness  !  it  saved  me  from 
despair  !  There  is  a  time  for  th^  second  birth  of  every 
soul ;  that  time  had  come  for  me.  From  that  hour,  this 
book  has  been  my  constant  companion  and  comfort.  I 
have  learned  from  its  pages  how  little  it  matters  how  or 
where  this  fleeting,  mortal  life  is  passed,  so  that  it  answers 
its  purpose  of  preparing  the  soul  for  another.  I  have 
learned  patience  with  sinners,  forgiveness  of  enemies,  and 
confidence  in  God.  In  a,  word,  I  trust  I  have  learned  the 
way  of  salvation,  and  in  that  have  learned  everything. 
Your  comiug,  and  your  words,  young  friend,  have  stirred 
within  my  heart  the  desire  to  be  free,  to  mingle  again  on 
equal  terms  with  my  fellow-beings,  and,  above  all,  to  find, 
and  to  embrace  my  child.  But  not  wildly  anxious  am  I 
even  for  these  earthly  blessings.  These,  as  well  as  all 
things  else,  I  desire  to  leave  to  the  Lord,  praying  that  His 
will  may  be  mine  !    Young  friend,  my  story  is  told." 

"  Madam, ''^  said  Traverse,  after  a  thoughtful  pause, 
our  fates  have  been  more  nearly  connected  than  you 
could  have  imagined.  Those  Le  Xoirs  have  been  7ny 
enemies  as  they  are  yours.  That  young  orphan  heiress, 
who  appealed  from  their  cruelty  to  the  Orj^hans^  Court, 
was  my  own  betrothed.  Willow  Heights  was  her  patrimony, 
and  is  now  her  quiet  home,  where  she  lives  with  my  mother, 
and  where  in  their  name  I  invite  you  to  come.  And  take 
this  comfort  also  ;  your  enemy  no  longer  lives  ;  months  ago 
I  left  him  ill  with  a  mortal  wound.  This  morning  the 
papers  announce  his  death.  There  remains,  therefore, 
but  little  for  me  to  do,  but  to  take  legal  measures  to 
free  you  from  this  place,  and  restore  you  to  your  home. 
Within  an  honr  I  shall  set  out  for  New  Orleans,  for  the 


666 


PROSPECTS  BRIGHTEN. 


purpose  of  taking  the  initiatory  steps.  Until  my  return 
thence,  dear  lady/'  said  Traverse,  respectfully  taking  her 
hand — Farewell,  and  be  of  good  cheer  P 


CHAPTER  LIX. 

PROSPECTS  BRIGHTER. 

**  Thus  far  our  fortune  keeps  an  onward  course, 
And  we  are  graced  with  wreaths  of  victory." 

— Shakespeare. 

Leaving  Mrs.  Le  Noir,  Traverse  went  down  to  the 
stable,  saddled  the  horse  that  had  been  allotted  to  his  use, 
and  set  off  for  a  long  day's  journey  to  New  Orleans,  where 
late  at  uight  he  arrived,  and  put  up  at  the  St.  Charles. 

He  slept  deeply  from  fatigue  until  late  the  next  morn- 
ing, when  he  was  awakened  by  the  sound  of  drums, 
trumpets  and  fifes,  and  by  general  rejoicing. 

He  arose  and  looked  from  his  windows  to  ascertain  the 
cause,  and  sav/  tlie  square  full  of  people  in  a  state  of  the 
highest  excitement,  watching  for  a  military  procession 
coming  up  the  street. 

It  was  the  United  States  troops  under  their  gallant 
commanders,  who  had  landed  from  the  steamboats  that 
morning  and  were  now  marching  from  the  quay  up  to  their 
quarters  at  the  St.  Charles. 

As  they  advanced.  Traverse,  eagerly  u])on  the  lookout, 
recognized  his  own  regiment,  and  presently  saw  Major 
Greyson  himself. 

Traverse  withdrew  from  the  window,  hurriedly  com- 
pleted his  toilet,  and  hastened  down  stairs,  where  he  soon 


PKOSPECTS  BRIGHTEN. 


567 


found  liimself  face  to  face  with  Herbert,  who  warmly  grasp- 
ing his  hand^  exclaimed  : 

Yoio  here,  old  friend  ?  Why,  I  thought  you  were 
down  in  East  Feliciana,  with  your  interesting  patient 

Is  is  for  the  interest  of  that  '  interesting  patient '  that 
I  am  here,  Herbert !  Did  I  tell  you  she  was  one  of  the 
victims  of  that  demon,  Le  Noir  ?" 

No  ;  but  I  know  it  from  another  source  !  I  know  as 
much,  or  more  of  her,  perhaj)s,  than  you  do  !" 

Ah     exclaimed  Traverse,  in  surprise. 
"  Yes  !    I  know,  for  instance,  that  she  is  Capitola's 
mother,  the  long  lost  widow  of  Eugene  Le  ^^oir,  the  mis- 
tress of  the  Hidden  House,  and  the  ghost  who  drew  folks* 
curtains  there  at  night.-'' 

Then  you  do  know  something  about  her,  but  lioio  did 
you  arrive  at  the  knowledge  T' 

•''By  the  ''hist  dying  speech  and  confession  '  of  Gabriel 
Le  jSToir,  confided  to  me,  to  be  used  in  restitution  after  his 
decease  !  But,  come  !  there  is  the  second  bell  !  Our  mess 
are  going  in  to  breakfast ;  join  us  and  afterwards  you  and 
I  will  retire  and  compare  notes,^^  said  Herbert,  taking  the 
arm  of  his  friend,  as  they  followed  the  moving  crowd  into 
the  breakfast  parlor. 

After  the  morning  meal  was  concluded  the  friends 
withdrew  together,  to  the  chamber  occupied  by  Traverse 
Rocke,  where  they  sat  down  for  mutual  explanations. 

Herbert  first  related  to  Traverse  all  that  had  occurred 
from  the  time  that  the  latter  left  the  city  of  Mexico, 
including  the  arrival  of  Craven  Le  Noir  at  the  dying  bed 
of  his  father,  the  subsequent  death  and  funeral  of  Colonel 
Le  Noir,  and  the  late  emigration  of  Craven,  who,  to  avoid 
the  shame  of  the  approaching  revelation,  joined  a  party  of 
explorers  bound  for  the  recently  discovered  gold  mines  of 
California. 

The  civilized  world  is  then  rid  of  two  villains  at 
once,'''  said  the  uncompromising  Traverse. 


568 


PROSPECTS  SfeiGaTEiT. 


Herbert  took  from  his  pocket  the  confession  of  Colonel 
Le  Noir,  which  he  said  he  was  now  at  liberty  to  use  as  he 
thought  proper  for  the  ends  of  justice.  That  certain  parts 
of  the  disclosure  intimately  concerned  Traverse  Eocke  ;  to 
whom  he  should,  therefore,  read  the  whole.  The  confes- 
sion may  be  briefly  summed  up  as  follows  : 

The  first  item  was,  that  he  had  sought  to  win  the  affec- 
tions of  Marah  Rocke,  the  supposed  wife  of  Major  Ira  War- 
field  ;  he  had  sedulously  waylaid  and  followed  her  with  his 
suit  during  the  whole  summer  ;  she  had  constantly  repulsed 
and  avoided  him  ;  he,  listening  to  his  own  evil  passions,  had 
bribed  her  maid  to  admit  him  in  the  dark  to  Marah^s  cabin, 
upon  a  certain  night  when  her  husband  was  to  be  absent ; 
that  the  unexpected  return  of  Major  Warfield,  who  had 
tracked  him  to  the  house,  had  prevented  the  success  of  his 
evil  purpose  ;  but  had  not  saved  the  reputation  of  the  inno- 
cent wife,  whose  infuriated  husband  would  not  believe  her 
ignorant  of  the  presence  of  the  villain  in  her  house ;  that 
he,  Gabriel  Le  Noir,  in  hatred  as  well  as  in  shame,  had  for- 
borne until  now  to  make  the  explanation,  which  he  hoped 
might  now,  late  in  life  as  it  was,  bring  the  long  severed 
pair  together,  and  establish  Marah  Rocke  and  her  son  in 
their  legal  and  social  rights. 

The  second  item  in  the  black  list  of  crime  was  the  death 
of  his  elder  brother,  whom  he  declared  he  had  not  intended 
to  kill.  He  said  that,  having  contracted  large  debts  which 
he  was  unable  to  pay,  he  had  returned  secretly  from  his 
distant  quarters  to  demand  the  money  from  his  brother, 
who  had  often  helped  him  ;  that,  meeting  his  brother  in 
the  woods,  he  made  this  request.  Eugene  reproached  him 
for  his  extravagance  and  folly,  and  refused  to  aid  him  ;  an 
encounter  ensued,  in  which  Eugene  fell.  He  Gabriel  Le 
Noir,  fled,  pursued  by  the  curse  of  Cain,  and  reached  his 
own  quarters  before  even  his  absence  had  been  suspected. 
His  agency  in  the  death  of  his  brother  was  not  suspected 
even  by  his  accomplice  in  other  crimes,  the  outlaw  called 


PEOSPECTS  BRIGHTEN. 


669 


Black  Donald,  who^,  thinking  to  gain  an  ascendancy  over 
one  whom  he  called  his  patron,  falsely  pretended  to  have 
made  way  with  Eugene  Le  Noir  for  the  sake  of  his  younger 
brother  ! 

The  third  item  of  confession  was  the  abduction  of  the 
nurse  and  babe  of  the  young  widow  of  Eugene,  the  circum- 
stances of  which  are  already  known  to  the  reader. 

Tiie  fourth  in  the  dreadful  list  comprised  the  deceptions, 
wrongs  and  persecutions  practiced  upon  Madam  Eugene  Lo 
Noir,  and  the  final  false  imprisonment  of  that  lady  under 
the  charge  of  insanity,  in  the  private  mad-house  kept  by 
Doctor  Pierre  St.  Jean,  in  East  Feliciana. 

In  conclusion,  he  spoke  of  the  wrongs  done  to  Clara 
Da}^,  whose  pardon,  with  that  of  others,  he  begged.  And 
he  prayed  that  in  consideration  of  his  son,  as  little  publicity 
as  was  possible  might  be  given  to  these  crimes. 

During  the  reading  of  this  confession,  the  eyes  of 
Traverse  Kocke  were  fixed  in  wonder  and  half  incredulity 
upon  the  face  of  Herbert,  and  at  its  conclusion  he  said  : 

^'  What  a  mass  of  crime  !  But  that  we  may  not  dare  to 
question  the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  I  should  ask  if  these  were 
sins  that  He  would  ever  pardon  !  Herbert,  it  appalls  me  to 
think  of  it  V' 

Then,  after  deep  thought,  he  added  : 
This,  then,  was  the  secret  of  my  dear  mother^s  long 
unhappiness  !    She  was  Major  Warfield's  forsaken  wife  ! — 
Herbert  !  I  feel  as  though  I  never,  never,  could  forgive  my 
father  V' 

Traverse,  if  Major  Warfield  had  wilfully  and  wan- 
tonly forsaken  your  mother,  I  should  say  that  your  resent- 
ment was  natural  and  right  !  Who  should  be  an  honor- 
able woman^s  champion  if  not  her  own  son  ?  But  Major 
Warfield,  as  well  as  his  wife,  was  more  sinned  against  than 
sinning  !  Your  parents  were  both  victims  of  a  cruel  con- 
spiracy, and  he  suffered  as  much  in  his  way,  as  she  did  in 
hers/'  said  Herbert. 


670 


PROSPECTS  BRIGHTEN. 


'^I  always  thought,  somehow,  that  my  dear  mother  was 
a  forsaken  wife.  She  never  told  me  so  ;  but  there  was 
something  about  her  circumstances  and  manners,  her  re- 
tired life,  her  condition,  so  much  below  her  deserts,  her 
never  speaking  of  her  hnsband^s  death — which  would  have 
been  natural  for  her  to  do,  had  she  been  a  widow — all, 
somehow,  went  to  give  me  the  im2")ression  that  my  father 
had  abandoned  us.  Lately  I  had  suspected  that  Major  "War- 
field  had  something  to  do  with  the  sad  affair,  though  I 
never  once  suspected  him  to  be  my  father  ! — so  much  for 
natural  instincts, said  Traverse,  with  a  melancholy  smile. 

"  Traverse,^^  said  Herbert,  with  a  design  of  drawing 
him  off  from  sad  remembrances  of  his  mother's  early  trials. 

Traverse,  this  confession,  signed  and  witnessed  as  it  is, 
will  wonderfully  simplify  your  course  of  action  in  regard  to 
the  deliverance  of  Madam  Le  Noir." 

"  Yes  ;   so  it  will,"  said  Traverse,  with  animation. 

There  will  be  no  need  now  of  applying  to  law  ;  especially 
if  you  will  come  down  with  me  to  East  Feliciana  and  bring 
the  confession  with  you.^' 

I  will  set  out  with  you  this  very  morning,  if  you  wish, 
as  I  am  on  leave.  What  !  to  hasten  the  release  of  Capitola's 
mother  !  I  would  set  out  at  midnight,  and  ride  straight  on 
for  a  week  \" 

^'  Ah  !  there  is  no  need  of  such  extravagant  feats  of 
travel.  It  is  now  ten  o'clock  ;  if  we  start  within  an  hour 
we  can  reach  the  Calm  Eetreat ''  by  eleven  o'clock  to- 
night.'^ 

^'  En  avant,  then,"  exclaimed  Herbert,  rising  and  ring- 
ing the  bell. 

Traverse  ordered  horses,  and  in  twenty  minutes  the 
friends  were  on  the  road  to  East  Feliciana. 

They  reached  the  Calm  Ketreat"  so  late  that  night, 
that  there  was  none  but  the  porter  awake  to  admit  them. 

Traverse  took  his  friend  up  to  his  own  dormitory,  saying, 
laughingly : 


PEOSPECTS  BEIQHTEN. 


571 


^'  It  is  an  iiuappreoiable  distance  of  time  since  you  and 
I  occupied  tlie  same  bed^  Herbert/^ 

''Yes  ;  but  it  is  not  the  fir.st^  by  five  hunJied  times. 
Do  yon  remember.  Traverse,  the  low  attic  where  we  used  to 
sle.ei^,  and  how  on  stormy  nights  we  used  to  listen  to  the 
rain  pattering  on  the  roof,  within  two  or  three  inches  of  our 
face;,  and  how  we  used  to  be  half  afraid  to  turn  over  for 
fear  that  we  should  bump  our  heads  against  the  timbers  of 
the  ceiling 

Yes,  indeed/'^  said  Traverse. 

And  thereupon  the  two  friends  launched  into  a  discus- 
sion of  old  times,  when  the  two  widows  and  their  sons  lived 
together — the  two  women  occupying  one  bed,  and  the  two 
boys  the  other.  And  this  discussion  they  kept  up  until 
long  after  they  retired,  and  until  sleep  overtook  them. 

The  next  morning  Traverse  conducted  his  friend  down 
to  the  breakfast  parlor,  to  introduce  him  to  Doctor  St. 
Jean,  v;ho,  as  soon  as  he  perceived  his  young  medical 
assistant,  sprang  forward  exclaiming  : 

"  Grand  Heaven  !  Is  this  then  you  ?  Have  you  then 
returned  ?    What  for  did  you  run  away  with  my  horse 

I  went  to  ]^ew  Orleans  in  great  haste,  upon  very 
important  business,  sir.^^ 

Grand  Dieu!  I  should  think  so,  I !  when  you  ride  oS 
on  my  horse  witliont  saying  a  word  !  If  it  had  been  my 
ambling  i")ony  I  ilioiild  have  been  in  despair,  I  I  Your 
business  so  hasty  and  so  important  was  accomplished,  I 
hope  r 

'^Yes  ;  I  did  my  errand  Avith  less  trouble  than  I  had 
anticipated,  owing  to  the  happy  circumstance  of  meeting 
my  friend  here,  who  has  come  down  hither  connected  with 
the  same  business.-''' 

Ah,  very  happy  to  see  your  friend.  In  the  medical 
profession,  I  suppose 

Xo,  sir  ;  in  the  army.  Allow  me  to  present  him. 
Major  Herbert  G-reyson^  of  the  — th  Regiment  of  Cavalry.-'^ 


572 


PROSPECTS  BRIGHTEN. 


Oui  !  ay  !  Grand  ciel !  this  is  the  brave,  the  dis- 
tinguished, the  illustrious  oflBcer,  so  honorably  mentioned 
in  the  desi^atches  of  the  inyincible  Taylor  and  the  mighty 
Scott  ?'  said  the  little  Frenchman,  bowing  his  night-cap- 
ped head  down  to  his  slippered  toes. 

Herbert  smiled  as  he  returned  the  bow.  And  then  the 
little  French  doctor,  turning  to  Traverse,  said  : 

But  your  business,  so  important  and  so  hasty,  which 
has  brought  this  officer  so  illustrious  down  here ; — what  is 
it  my  friend 

"  We  will  have  the  honor  of  explaining  to  Monsieur  le 
Docteur,  over  our  coffee,  if  he  will  oblige  us  by  ordering  the 
servant  to  retire, said  Traverse,  who  sometimes  adopted 
in  speaking  to  the  old  Frenchman  his  own  formal  style  of 
politeness. 

"  Oui,  oui,  certainment  !  Allez  done,  John  !  Go, 
then,  John  \" 

As  soon  as  the  man  had  gone,  Traverse  said  : 
I  propose  to  discuss  this  business  over  our  coffee,  be- 
cause it  will  save  time  without  interfering  with  our  morn- 
ing meal,  and  I  know  that  immediately  afterwards  you  will 
go  your  usual  round  of  visits  to  your  patients/^ 

"  Eh  bien  1  proceed,  my  son  !  proceed  1" 

Traverse  immediately  commenced  and  related  all  that 
was  necessary  concerning  the  fraud  practiced  upon  the 
institution  by  introducing  into  it  an  unfortunate  woman, 
represented  to  be  mad,  but  really  only  sorrowful,  nervous 
and  excitable.  And  to  prove  the  truth  of  his  words.  Trav- 
erse desired  Herbert  to  read  from  the  confession  the  portion 
relating  to  this  fraud,  and  to  show  the  doctor  the  signature 
of  the  principal  and  the  witness. 

To  have  seen  the  old  French  doctor  then  !  I  rejoice  in 
a  Frenchman,  for  the  frank  abandon  with  which  he  gives 
himself  up  to  his  emotions  !  Our  doctor,  after  staring  at 
the  confession,  took  hold  of  the  top  of  his  blue  tasselled 
night-cap,  pulled  it  off  his  head  and  threw  it  violently  upon 


PROSPECTS  BKIGHTEK. 


573 


the  floor  !  Then  remembering  that  he  was  exposing  a 
cranium^  as  bald  as  a  peeled  potato^  he  suddenly  caught  it 
up  again,  clapped  it  upon  his  crown  and  exclaimed  : 

"  Sacre  !  Diable  V  and  other  ejaculations  dreadful  to 
translate,  and  others  again  which  it  would  be  profane  to  set 
down  in  French  or  English. 

Gabriel  Le  Noir  was  no  longer  an  officer  illustrious,  a 
gentleman  noble  and  distinguished,  compassionate  and 
tender;  he  was  a  robber  infamous!  a  villain  atrocious  !  a 
caitiff,  ruthless,  and  without  remorse  ! 

After  breakfast  the  doctor  consented  that  his  young 
hero,  his  little  knight-errant,  his  dear  son,  should  go  to  the 
distressed  lady  and  open  the  good  news  to  her  ;  while  the 
great  Major  Greyson,  the  warrior  invincible,  should  go 
around  with  himself  to  inspect  the  institution. 

Traverse  immediately  repaired  to  the  chamber  of  Mrs. 
Le  Noir,  whom  he  found  sitting  at  the  window,  engaged  in 
some  little  trifle  of  needlework,  the  same  pale,  patient 
woman  that  she  had  first  appeared  to  him. 

Ah,  you  have  come  !  I  read  good  news  upon  your 
smiling  face,  my  friend  !  Tell  it  !  I  have  borne  the  worst 
of  sorrows  !  shall  I  not  have  strength  to  bear  joy  V 

Traverse  told  her  all,  and  then  ended  by  saying  : 
]^ow,  dear  Madam,  it  is  necessary  that  we  leave  this 
place  within  two  hours,  as  Major  Greyson^s  regiment  leaves 
New  Orleans  for  Washington  to-morrow,  and  it  is  advisable 
that  you  go  under  our  protection.  We  can  get  you  a  female 
attendant  from  the  St.  Charles. 

Oh,  I  can  be  ready  in  ten  minutes  !  I  have  no  fine 
lady's  wardrobe  to  pack  up  replied  Mrs.  Le  Noir,  with  a 
smile. 

Traverse  bowed  and  went  out  to  procure  a  carriage  from 
the  next  village.  And  in  half  an  hour  afterwards  the  whole 
party  took  leave  of  Doctor  Pierre  St.  Jean  and  his  "  insti- 
tution incomparable,^^  and  set  forth  on  their  journey  to 
New  Orleans,  whence  in  two  diys  afterwards  they  sailed  for 


674 


CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


tlie  Norili.  And  now,  dear  reader,  let  you  and  mo  take  tlie 
fast  boat,  and  get  home  before  them  to  see  onr  little  Cap, 
and  find  out  what  adventures  she  is  now  engaged  in,  and 
how  she  is  getting  on. 


CHAPTER  LX. 

CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 

"Plumed  victory 
Is  truly  painted  with  a  cheerful  look, 
Equally  distant  from  proud  insolence 

And  sad  detection." — Massinger. 

How  GLAD  I  am  to  get  back  to  my  little  Cap ;  for  I 
know  very  well,  reader,  just  as  well  as  if  you  had  told  nie, 
that  you  have  been  grumbliug  for  two  weeks  for  the  want 
of  Cap.  But  I  could  not  help  it,  for,  to  tell  the  truth,  I 
was  pining  after  her  myself,  which  was  the  reason  that  I 
could  not  do  half  justice  to  the  scenes  of  the  Mexican 
War. 

Well,  now  let  us  see  what  Cap  has  been  doing — what 
oppressors  she  has  punished — what  victims  she  has  delivered 
—  in  a  word,  what  new  heroic  adventures  she  has 
achieved. 

Well,  the  trial  of  Donald  Bayne,  alias  Black  Donald, 
was  over.  Cap,  of  course,  had  been  compelled  to  a|)pear 
against  him.  During  the  whole  course  of  the  trial  the 
court-room  was  crowded  with  a  curious  multitude,  '''from 
far  and  near,^''  eager  to  get  sight  of  the  notorious  outlaw. 

Black  Donald,  through  the  v^^holc  ordeal,  deported 
himself  with  a  gallant  and  joyous  dignity,  that  would  have 
better  become  a  triumph  than  a  trial. 


CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


575 


Ho  ^as  indicted  upon  several  distinct  counts,,  the  most 
serious  of  wliicli — tlie  murcler  of  the  solitary  vvidow  and  lier 
daughter  in  the  forest  cabin,  and  the  assassination  of 
En^rene  Le  Xoir  in  the  woods  near  the  Hidden  House — 
were  sustained  only  by  circumstantial  evidence.  But  the 
aggregate  weight  of  all  these,  together  witli  liis  very  bad 
reputation,  was  sufficient  to  convict  him,  and  Black  Donald 
was  sentenced  to  death. 

This  dreadful  doom,  most  solemnly  j^ronounced  by  the 
judge,  was  received  by  the  prisoner  with  a  loud  laugh,  and 
the  words  : 

You^-e  out  o''  your  reckoning  now,  cap^n  !  I  never 
was  a  saint,  the  Lord  knows,  but  my  hands  are  free  from 
blood-guiltiness  !  There^s  an  honest  little  girl  that  believes 
me — don^t  you  he  said,  turning  laughingly  to  our  little 
heroine. 

^'  Yes,  I  do  said  Cap,  bursting  into  tears  ;  and  I  am 
as  sorry  for  you  as  ever  I  can  be,  Donald  Bayne.^'' 

Bother  !  it  is  sure  to  come  to  this  first  or  last,  and  I 
knew  it  !  ISTow,  to  prove  you  do  not  think  this  rugged 
hand  of  mine  stained  with  blood,  give  it  a  friendly  shake  I^' 
said  the  condemned  man.  And  before  Old  Hurricane 
could  prevent  her,  Capitola  had  jumped  over  two  or  three 
intervening  seats  and  climbed  up  to  the  side  of  the  dock, 
and  reached  up  her  hand  to  the  prisoner  saying  : 

^^God  help  you,  Donald  Bayne,  in  your  great  trouble, 
and  I  will  do  all  I  can  to  help  yon  in  this  world.  I  will  go 
to  the  Governor  myself,  and  tell  him  I  know  you  never  did 
any  murder.-" 

Remove  the  prisoner, said  the  judge,  peremptorily. 
The  constables  approached  and  led  away  Black  Donald. 
Old  Hurricane  rushed  upon  Cap,  seized  her,  and  shaking 
her  fiercely,  exclaimed,  under  his  breath  : 

You — you — you — you  New  York  hurraw  boy  !  you 
foundling !  you  vagabond  !  you  vagrant  !  yon  brat !  you 


576 


CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


beggar  !  will  you  never  be  a  lady  !  to  go  and  shake  bands 
with  that  ruffian  I" 

Sure,  uncle,  tha  fs  nothing  now  ;  I  have  shaken  hands 
with  i/ou  often  enough  !" 

"  Demmy,  you — yon — you  New  York  trash,  what  do  you 
mean  by  that  f" 

^'  Of  course  I  mean,  uncle,  that  you  are  as  rough  a  ruf- 
fian as  ever  Donald  Bayne  was 
Demmy,  Fll  murder  you  V 

"  Don^t  uncle ;  they  have  an  uncivilized  way  here  of 
hanging  murderers,"  said  Cap,  shaking  herself  free  of  Old 
Hurricane^s  grasp,  and  hastening  out  of  the  court-room  to 
mount  her  horse  and  ride  home. 

One  night  after  ten,  Capitola  and  her  uncle  occupied 
their  usual  seats  by  the  little  bright  wood  fire,  that  the 
cliilly  evening  and  the  keen  mountain  air  made  agreeable, 
even  in  May. 

Old  Hurricane  was  smoking  his  pipe  and  reading  his 
paper. 

Cap  was  sitting  with  her  slender  fingers  around  her 
throat,  which  she,  with  a  shudder,  occasionally  com- 
pressed. 

Well,  that  demon  Black  Donald  will  be  hanged  the 
26th  of  July,"  said  old  Hurricane,  exultingly,  and  we 
shall  get  rid  of  one  villain.  Cap." 

/  pity  Black  Donald,  and  I  can^t  bear  to  think  of  his 
being  hanged  !  It  quite  breaks  my  heart  to  think  that 
I  was  compelled  to  bring  him  to  such  fate  !" 

Oh  !  that  reminds  me  !  The  reward  offered  for  tlie 
apprehension  of  Black  Donald,  to  which  you  were  entitled. 
Cap,  was  paid  over  to  me  for  you.  I  placed  it  to  your 
account  in  the  Agricultural  Bank." 

I  don't  want  it !  I  won't  touch  it  !  The  price  of 
blood.    It  would  burn  my  fingers  !"  said  Cap. 

'*0h,  A^ery  well  !  a  thousand  dollars  won't  go  a  beg- 
ging," said  Old  Hurricane, 


CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST."^ 


677 


Uncle,  it  breaks  my  heart  to  think  of  Black  Donald's 
execution  I  It  jast  does  !  It  miist  be  dreadful,  this  hang- 
ing I  I  have  put  my  fingers  around  my  throat  and  squeezed 
it,  to  knov,'  how  it  feels,  and  it  is  awful  I  Evun  a  little 
squeeze  makes  my  head  feel  as  if  it  would  burst,  and  I  have 
to  let  go  I    Oh,  it  is  horrible  to  think  of  I''^' 

''•'AVell,  Cap,  it  wasn't  intended  to  be  as  pleasant  as 
tickling,  you  know.  I  wish  it  was  twen:y  times  worse  I  It 
would  serve  him  right,  the  villain  I  I  wish  it  was  lawful 
to  break  him  on  the  wheel — I  do  I"' 

Uncle,  that  is  very  wicked  in  you  I  I  declare  I  won't 
have  it  I  I'll  write  a  petirion  to  the  Governor  to  commute 
his  sentence,  and  carry  it  all  around  the  country  myself  I'"* 

"  You  wouldn't  get  a  soul  to  sign  it  to  save  your  life, 
much  less  his/* 

'"'Til  go  to  the  Governor  myself,  and  beg  him  to  pardon 
Donald  Bayne 

^'Ha  I  ha  I  ha  I  the  Governor  would  not  do  it  to  save 
all  our  lives  ;  and  if  he  icere  to  do  such  an  outrageous  thing, 
he  might  whistle  for  his  re-election  I'"' 

I  declare,  Donald  Bayne  shall  not  be  hung — and  so 
there  I'*'  said  Cap,  pusjionately. 

Whe-ew  I  You'll  deliver  him  by  the  strength  of  your 
arm,  my  little  Doniva  Quixota.'"'' 

"  ril  save  him  :n  one  way  or  another,  now  mind  I  tell 
you  I  He  sinned  more  against  me  than  against  anybody  else, 
and  so  I  have  the  best  right  of  anybody  in  the  world  tu  for- 
give him,  and  I  do  forgive  him  !  And  he  shan't  be  hung  ! 
I  say  it  V' 

Toil  say  it  I  ha  I  ha  !  ha  !  Who  are  you,  to  turn  aside 
the  law 

I,  Capitola  Black,  say  that  Donald  Bayne,  not  having 
deserved  to  be  hung,  shall  not  be  hung  I  And  in  one  way 
oi'  another  Fll  keep  my  wurd 

And  Cap  did  her  best  to  keep  it.  The  next  morning 
she  mounted  Gyp  and  rode  up  to  Tip  Top,  where  she 


578 


GAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


employed  the  village  lawyer  to  draw  up  a  petition  to  tlie 
Governor  for  the  commutation  of  Donald  Bayne^s  sentence. 
And  then  she  rode  all  over  the  country  to  try  to  get  signa- 
tures to  the  document.  But  all  in  vain  !  People  of  every 
age  and  condition  too  thoroughly  feared  and  hated  tlie 
famous  outlaw,  and  too  earnestly  wished  to  be  entirely  and 
forever  rid  of  him,  to  sign  any  petition  for  a  commutLition 
of  his  sentence.  If  a  petition  for  his  instant  execution  had 
been  carried  around,  it  would  have  stood  a  much  better 
chance  of  success  ! 

Cap  spent  many  days  in  her  fruitless  enterprise,  but  at 
last  gave  it  up— but  by  no  means  in  despair,  for — 

1^11  save  his  life,  yet  !  by  one  means  or  another  !  I 
can't  change  clothes  with  him  as  I  did  with  Clara,  he's  too 
big  !  but  one  way  or  other  Til  save  him,'-'  said  Cap,  to  her- 
self. She  said  it  to  no  one  else,  for  the  more  difficult  the 
enterprise,  the  more  determined  she  was  to  succeed,  and 
the  more  secretive  she  grew  as  to  her  measures. 

In  the  meantime  the  outlaw,  double-ironed,  was  con- 
fined in  the  condemned  cell,  the  strongest  portion  of  the 
county  jail.  All  persons  were  strictly  prohibited  from 
visiting  him,  except  certain  of  the  clergy. 

They  did  all  they  could  to  bring  the  outlaw  to  a  sense 
of  his  condition,  to  prepare  liim  to  meet  his  fate  and  to 
induce  him  to  make  a  confession  and  give  up  the  retreat  of 
his  band. 

And  Donald  listened  to  them  with  respect,  acknowl- 
edged himself  a  great  sinner,  and  knelt  with  them  when 
they  knelt  to  pray  for  him. 

But  he  denied  that  he  was  guilty  of  the  murders  for 
which  he  had  been  doomed  to  die,  and  he  utterly  refused 
to  give  up  his  old  companions,  replying  to  the  ministers  in 
something  like  these  words  : 

Poor  wretches  !  they  are  no  more  fit  to  die  than  /  am, 
and  a  condemned  cell,  with  the  thought  of  the  scaffold 
before  him,  are  not  exactly  the  most  favorable  circum- 


CAPITOL  A  A  CAPITALIST. 


579 


stauces  nnder  which  a  man  might  experience  sincere 
repentance,  my  masters  I'' 

And  so.  Trhile  the  convict  listened  with  docility  to  all 
that  the  ministers  had  to  say_,  he  steadily  p-}:;'^::;;  in  assert- 
ing his  own  iunocence  of  the  crimes  for  which  he  was  con- 
demned^ and  in  his  refusal  to  deliver  up  his  companions. 

Meantime,  Capitola,  at  Hurricane  Hall^  tv  .5  :  /:ig  all 
she  could  to  discover  or  invent  means  to  save  the  life  of 
Black  Donald.  But  still  she  said  no  more  about  it,  even 
to  Old  Hurricane. 

One  evening,  while  Cap  was  sitting  by  the  fire  with  her 
thoughts  busy  with  this  subject,  her  uncle  came  in,  say- 
ing : 

Gap  I  I  have  got  some  curiosities  to  show  you 

'•'What  are  they  ?^  said  Cap,  languidly. 
A  set  of  burglar-'s  tools,  supposed  to  belong  to  some 
member  of  Black  Donald^s  band  I  One  of  my  negroes 
fouDd  them  in  the  woods  in  the  neighborhood  of  the 
Devil's  Punch  Bowl  !  I  wrote  to  the  sheriff  concerning 
them,  and  he  requested  me  to  take  care  of  them  until 
he  should  have  occasion  to  call  for  them.  Look  I  did 
you  ever  see  such  things  said  Old  Hurricane,  sctti:ig 
down  a  canvas  bag  upon  the  table,  and  turning  out  from 
it  all  sorts  of  strange  looking  instruments— tiny  saws, 
files,  punches,  screws,  picks,  ere,  etc.,  etc. 

Cap  looked  at  them  with  the  most  curious  interest, 
while  Old  Hurricane  explained  their  supposed  uses. 

•'•It  must  have  been  an  instrument  0:  "  '5  s:rt.  Cap, 
that  that  blamed  demon,  Donald,  gave  to  the  im- 
prisoned men  to  file  their  fetters  ofi  with  I"  he  said,  show- 
ing a  thin  file  of  tempered  steel. 

That  !"  said  Cap,  •'  hand  it  here  I  let  me  see  it  I"' 
and  she  examined  it  with  the  deepest  interest. 

"  I  wonder  what  they  force  locks  with     she  inquired. 

"  Why,  this,  and  this,  and  this  I''  said  Old  Hurricane, 
producing  a  burglar-'s  pick,  saw  and  chisel. 


580 


CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


Cap  took  tliem  and  scrutinized  them  so  attentively  that 
Old  Hurricane  burst  out  into  a  loud  laugh,  exclaiming — 

'^You'll  dream  of  house-breakers  to-night,  Cap!"  and 
taking  the  tools  he  put  them  all  back  in  the  little  canvas 
bag,  and  put  the  bag  up  on  a  high  shelf  of  the  parlor  closet. 

The  next  morning,  while  Cap  was  arranging  flowers  on 
the  parlor  mantlepiece,  Old  Hurricane  burst  in  upon  her 
with  his  hands  full  of  letters  and  newspapers,  and  his  heart 
full  of  exaltation — throwing  up  his  hat  and  cutting  an 
alarming  caper  for  a  man  of  his  age,  he  exclaimed  : 

^'  Hurrah,  Cap  !  Hurrah  !  Peace  is  at  last  proclaimed 
and  our  victorious  troops  are  on  their  way  home  !  It^s  all 
in  the  newspapers  !  and  here  are  letters  from  Herbert, 
dated  from  New  Orleans  !  Here  are  letters  for  you,  and 
hero  are  some  for  me  !  I  have  not  opened  them  yet ! 
Hurrah,  Cap  !    Hurrah  !" 

Hurrah,  uncle  !  Hurrah  !"  cried  Cap,  tossing  up  her 
flowers  and  rushing  into  his  arms  ! 

Don't  squeeze  mo  into  an  apoplexy,  you  little  bear,'' 
said  Old  Hurricane,  turning  purple  in  the  face,  from  the 
savage  hug  of  Cap's  joyful  arms.  Come  along  and  sit 
down  with  me,  at  this  table,  and  let  us  see  what  the  letters 
have  brought  us." 

They  took  their  seats  opposite  each  other,  at  a  small 
table,  and  Old  Hurricane  threw  the  whole  mail  between 
them,  and  began  to  pick  out  the  letters. 

"  That's  for  you.  Cap.  This  is  for  me,"  he  said,  pitch- 
ing out  two  in  the  handwriting  of  Herbert  Greyson. 

Cap  opened  hers,  and  commenced  readiiag.  It  was  in 
fact  Herbert's  first  do^vnright  practical  proposal  of  mar- 
riage, in  which  he  begged  that  their  union  might  take  place 
as  soon  as  he  should  return,  and  that  as  lie  had  written  to 
his  uncle  by  the  same  mail,  upon  another  subject,  which 
he  did  not  wish  to  mix  up  with  his  own  mari-iage,  she 
would,  upon  a  proper  opportunity,  let  her  uncle  know  of 
their  plans. 


CAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


581 


''Upon  my  word,  he  takes  my  consent  very  coolly  as  a 
matter  of  course,  and  even  forces  ujion  me  the  disagreeable 
duty  of  asking  myself  of  my  own  uncle  !  Whoever  heard 
of  such  proceedings  !  If  he  were  not  coming  home  from 
the  wars,  I  declare  I  should  get  angry  ;  but  I  won't  get 
upon  my  dignity  with  Herbert, — dear,  darling,  sweet  Her- 
bert— if  it  were  anybody  else,  shouldn't  they  know  the  differ- 
ence between  their  liege  lady  and  Tom  Trotter  ?  However, 
as  it^s  Herbert,  here  goes  !  JSTow,  I  suppose  the  best  way  to 
ask  myself  of  uncle,  for  Herbert,  will  be  just  to  hand  him 
over  this  letter.  The  dear  knows  it  isn't  so  over  and  above 
affectionate  that  I  should  hesitate.  Uncle,"  said  Cap,  pull- 
ing Old  Hurricane's  coat-sleeve. 

Don't  bother  me.  Cap,"  exclaimed  Major  Warfield, 
who  sat  there  holding  a  large,  closely- written  document  in 
his  hand,  with  his  great  round  eyes  strained  from  their 
sockets,  as  they  passed  along  the  lines  with  devouring 
interest. 

''  Well,  I  do  declare  !  I  do  believe  he  has  received  a 
proposal  of  marriage  himself,"  cried  Cap,  shooting  much 
nearer  the  truth  than  she  knew. 

Old  Hurricane  did  not  hear  her.  Starting  up  with  the 
document  in  his  hand,  he  rushed  from  the  room,  and  went 
and  shut  himself  up  in  his  own  study. 

*'  I  vow,  some  vv'idow  has  offered  to  marry  him,"  said 
Cap,  to  herself. 

Old  Hurricane  did  not  come  to  dinner,  nor  to  supper. 
But  after  supper,  when  Capitola's  wonder  was  at  its  climax, 
and  while  she  was  sitting  by  the  little  wood  fire  that  the 
chilly  evening  required,  Old  Hurricane  came  in,  looking 
very  unlike  himself,  in  an  humble,  confused,  deprecating, 
yet  happy  manner,  like  one  who  had  at  once  a  mortifying 
confession  to  make,  and  a  happy  secret  to  tell. 

''  Cap,"  he  said,  trying  to  repress  a  smile,  and  growing 
purple  in  the  face. 

 *'  Oh,  yes  !  you^ve  come  to  tell  me,  I  suppose,  that 


582 


OAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


you're  going  to  put  a  step-aunt-in-Lw  over  my  head,  only 
you  don't  know  how  to  announce  it,"  answered  Capitola, 
little  knowing  how  closely  she  had  come  to  the  truth  ; 
when  to  her  unbound  astonishment.  Old  Hurricane 
answered  : 

'^^Yes,  my  dear,  that's  just  it  F' 

''''What  !  My  eyes!  Oh  crick ey  !"  cried  Cap,  breaking 
into  her  newsboy's  slang,  from  more  consternation. 

Yes,  my  dear,  it  is  perfectly  true  !"  replied  the  old 
man,  growing  furiously  red,  and  rubbing  his  face. 

"  Oh  !  oh  !  oh  !  Hold  me  !  I'm  '  kilt  !' "  cried  Cap, 
falling  back  in  her  chair  in  an  inextinguishable  fit  of  laugh- 
ter, that  shook  her  whole  frame.  She  laughed  until  the 
tears  ran  down  her  cheeks.  She  wiped  her  eyes  and  looked 
at  Old  Hurricane,  and  every  time  she  saw  his  confused  and 
happy  face,  she  burst  into  a  fresh  paroxysm  that  seemed 
to  threaten  her  life  or  her  reason. 

Who  is  the  happy—.  Oh,  I  can't  speak  !  Oh,  I'm 
*  kilt  entirely  !'"  she  cried,  breaking  off  in  the  midst  of 
her  question,  and  falling  into  fresh  convulsions. 

It's  no  new  love.  Cap.  It's  my  old  wife!"  said  Old 
Hurricane,  wiping  his  face. 

This  brought  Capitola  up  with  a  jerk  !  She  sat  bolt 
upright,  gazing  at  him  with  her  eyes  fixed  as  if  in  death. 

"Cap,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  growing  more  and  more 
confused,  "  I've  been  a  married  man  more  years  thnn  Hike 
to  think  of  !  Cap,  I've — I've  a  wife  and  grown-up  son  ! 
What  do  you  sit  there  staring  at  me  for,  you  little  demon  ? 
Why  don't  you  say  something  to  encourage  me,  you  little 
wretch  ?" 

Go  on,"  said  Cap,  without  removing  her  eyes. 

"'  Cap,  I  was — a  jealous — passionate — Deiiimy  !  confes- 
sion isn't  m  my  line  !  A  diabolical  villain  made  me  believe 
that  my  poor  little  wife  wasn't  good  !" 

"  There  !  I  knew  you'd  lay  it  on  somebody  else.  Men 
always  do  that !"  said  Cap  to  herself. 


OAPrrOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


583 


'^He  was  mortally  wounded  in  Mexico.  He  made  a 
confession-,  and  confided  it  to  Herbert,  who  lias  just  sent 
me  an  attested  copy.  It  was  Le  Noir.  My  poor  wife  lived 
under  her  girlhood^s  name  of  Marah  Eocke/'  Old  Hurri- 
cane made  a  gulp,  and  his  voice  broke  down. 

Cap  understood  all  now,  as  well  as  if  she  had  known  it 
as  long  as  old  Hurricane  had.  She  comprehended  his 
extreme  agitation  upon  a  certain  evening,  years  ago,  ^yhen 
Herbert  Greyson  had  mentioned  Marah  Eocke's  name,  and 
his  later  and  more  lasting  disturbance  upon  accidentally 
meeting  Marah  at  the  Orphans'  Court. 

This  revelation  filled  her  with  strange  and  contradictory 
emotions.  She  was  glad  ;  shjp  was  angry  with  him  ;  she 
was  sorry  for  him  ;  she  was  divided  between  divers  impulses 
to  hug  and  kiss  him,  to  cry  over  him,  and  to  sieze  him  and 
give  him  a  good  shaking  !  And  between  them  she  did 
nothing  at  all. 

Old  Hurricane  was  again  the  first  to  speak. 
What  was  that  you  wished  to  say  to  me.  Cap,  when  I 
ran  away  from  you  this  morning  ?" 

"Why,  uncle,  that  Herbert  wants  to  follow  your 

example,  and — and — and  Cap  blushed  and  broke 

down. 

"  I  thought  as  much.  Getting  married  at  his  age  !  a 
boy  of  twenty-five     said  the  veteran  in  contempt. 

"  Taking  a  wife  at  your  age,  uncle,  an  infant  of  sixty- 
six 

Bother,  Cap  !    Let  me  see  the  fellow's  letter  to  you." 
Cap  handed  it  to  him,  and  the  old  man  read  it. 
If  I  were  to  object,  you'd  get  married  all  the  same  ! 
Demmy  !  you're  both  of  age.    Do  as  you  please." 
"  Thank  you,  sir,"  said  Cap,  demurely. 
And  now.  Cap,  one  thing  is  to  be  noticed.  Herbert 
says,  both  in  your  letter  and  in  mine,  that  they  were  to 
start  to  return  the  day  after  these  letters  were  posted. 
These  letters  have  been  delayed  iu  the  mail.  Consequently 


584 


OAPiTOLA  A  CAPITAList. 


we  may  expect  our  hero  here  every  day.  But  Cap,  my 
dear,  you  must  receive  them.  For  to-morrow  morning, 
please  the  Lord,  I  shall  set  out  for  Staunton  and  Willow 
Heights,  and  go  and  kneel  down  at  the  feet  of  my  wife, 
and  ask  her  pardon  on  my  knees 

Cap  was  no  longer  divided  between  the  wish  to  pull  Old 
Ilurricane^'s  gray  beard  and  to  cry  over  him.  She  throw 
herself  at  once  into  his  arms  and  exclaimed  : 

"  Oh  uncle  !  God  bless  you !  God  bless  you  !  God 
bless  you  !  It  has  come  very  late  in  life,  but  may  you  be 
happy  with  her  through  all  tlie  ages  of  eternity.'^ 

Old  Hurricane  was  deeply  moved  by  the  sympathy  of 
his  little  madcap,  and  pressed  her  to  his  bosom,  saying  : 

Cap,  my  dear,  if  you  had  not  set  your  heart  upon 
Herbert,  I  would  marry  you  to  my  son  Traverse,  and  you 
two  should  inherit  all  that  I  have  in  the  world  !  But  never 
mind.  Cap,  you  have  an  inheritance  of  your  own  !  Cap, 
Cap,  my  dear,  did  it  ever  occur  to  you  that  you  might  have 
had  a  father  and  mother  T' 

Yes !  often  !  But  I  used  to  think  you  were  my  father, 
and  that  my  mother  was  dead/^ 

^'1  wish  to  the  Lord  that  I  had  been  your  father,  Cap, 
and  that  Marah  Rocke  had  been  your  mother  I  But  Cap, 
your  father  was  a  better  man  than  I,  and  your  mother  as 
good  a  woman  as  Marah.  And  Cap,  my  dear,  you  vagabond, 
you  vagrant,  you  brat,  you  beggar,  you  are  the  sole  heiress 
of  the  Hidden  House  estate  and  all  its  enormous  wealth  ! 
What  do  yoa  think  of  that  now,  what  do  you  think  of  that^ 
you  beggar  V  cried  Old  Hurricane. 

A  shriek  pierced  the  air,  and  Capitola  starting  up,  stood 
before  Old  Hurricane,  crying  in  an  impassioned  voice  : 

Uncle  !  Uncle  !  don't  mock  me  !  don't  overwhelm  me  ! 
I  do  not  care  for  wealth  or  power  ;  but  tell  me  of  the  parents 
who  possessing  loth,  cast  off  their  unfortunate  child — a  girl, 
too  !  to  meet  the  sufferings  and  perils  of  such  a  life  as  mine 
had  been,  if  I  had  not  met  you  P 


OATITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


585 


Cap,  my  dear,  hush  !  your  parents  were  no  more  to 
blame  for  their  seeming  abandonment  of  you,  than  /  was  to 
blame  for  the  desertion  of  my  poor  wife.  We  are  all  the 
victims  of  one  villain  who  has  now  gone  to  his  account, 
Capitol  a.  I  mean  Gabriel  Le  ISToir.  Sit  down  my  dear, 
and  I  v/ill  read  the  copy  of  his  whole  confession,  and  after- 
wards, in  addition,  tell  you  all  /  know  upon  the  subject 

Capitola  resumed  her  seat,  and  Major  Warlield  read  the 
confession  of  Gabriel  Le  Noir,  and  afterwards  continued 
the  subject  by  relating  the  events  of  that  memorable  Hallow 
Eve  when  he  was  called  out  in  a  snow  storm  to  take  the 
dying  deposition  of  the  nurse  who  had  been  abducted  with 
the  infant  Capitola. 

And  at  the  end  of  his  narrative,  Cap,  knew  as  much  of 
her  own  history  as  the  reader  has  known  all  along. 

And  I  have  a  mother  !  and  I  shall  even  see  her  soon  ! 
you  told  me  she  was  coming  home  with  the  party — did  you 
not,  Uncle  V  said  Capitola. 

Yes,  my  child.  Only  think  of  it  ?  /  saved  the 
daughter  from  the  streets  of  New  York,  and  my  son  saved 
the  mother  from  her  prison  at  the  madhouse  !  And  now 
my  dear  Cap,  I  must  bid  you  good  night  and  go  to  bed, 
for  I  intend  to  rise  to-morrow  morning  long  before  day- 
light, to  ride  to  Tip  Top  to  meet  the  Staunton  stage, said 
the  old  man,  kissing  Capitola. 

Just  as  he  was  about  to  leave  the  room,  he  was  arrested 
by  a  loud  ringing  and  knocking  at  the  door. 

Wool  was  heard  running  along  the  front  hall  to  answer 
the  summons. 

Cap,  I  shouldn't  wonder  much  if  that  was  our  party. 
I  wish  it  may  be,  for  I  should  like  to  welcome  them  before 
I  leave  home  to  fetch  my  wife,"  said  Old  Hurricane,  in  a 
voice  of  agitation. 

And  while  they  were  still  eagerly  listening,  the  door  w^as 
thrown  open  by  Wool,  who  announced  : 

'^Marse  Herbert,  which  I  mean  to  say.  Major  Herbeit, 


586 


OAPITOLA  A  CAPITALIST. 


Greyson  ; and  Herbert  entered  and  was  grasped  by  the 
two  hands  of  Old  Hiirricaue,  who  exclaimed  : 

*^Ah;,  Herbert^  my  lad  !  I  have  got  your  letters.  It  is 
all  right,  Herbert,  or  going  to  be  so.  You  shall  marry  Cap 
when  you  like.  And  I  am  going  to-morrow  morning  to 
throw  myself  at  the  feet  of  my  wife.^' 

^'E'o  need  of  your  going  so  far,  dear  sir,  no  need.  Let 
me  speak  to  my  own  dear  girl  a  moment,  and  then  I  shall 
have  something  to  say  to  you,'^  said  Herbert,  leaving  the 
old  man  in  suspense,  and  going  to  salute  Capitola,  who  re- 
turned his  fervent  embrace  by  an  honest,  downright  frank 
kiss,  that  made  no  secret  of  itself. 

Capitola  !    My  uncle  has  told  you  all 
Every  single  bit !  so  don^t  lose  time  by  telling  it  all 
over  again  !    Is  my  mother  with  you 

Yes  !  and  I  will  bring  her  in,  in  one  moment ;  but 
first  I  must  bring  in  some  one  else,'"*  said  Herbert,  kissing 
the  hand  of  Capitola  and  turning  to  Old  Hurricane,  to 
whom  he  said  : 

"  You  need  not  travel  far  to  find  Marah.    We  took 

Staunton  in  our  way,  and  brought  her  and  Clara  along  

Traverse  V  he  said,  going  to  the  door — bring  in  your 
mother/' 

And  the  next  instant.  Traverse  entered  with  the  wife  of 
Major  Warfield  upon  his  arm. 

Old  Hurricane  started  forward  to  meet  her,  exclaiming 
in  a  broken  voice  : 

Marah,  my  dear  Marah,  God  may  forgive  me,  but  can 
you — can  you  ever  do  so  and  he  would  have  sunk  at  her 
feet,  but  that  she  prevented,  by  meeting  him  and  silently 
placing  both  her  hands  in  his.  And  so  quietly  Marah's  for- 
giveness was  expressed,  and  the  reconciliation  sealed. 

Meanwhile  Herbert  went  out,  and  brought  in  Mrs.  Le 
Noir  and  Clara.  Mrs.  Le  Noir  with  a  Frenchwoman's 
impetuosity,  hurried  to  her  daughter,  and  clasped  her  to 
her  heart. 


THEEE  shall  be  light  at  the  EVENTroE."  58? 

Cap  gave  one  hurried  glance  at  tlie  beautiful  pale 
woman  that  claimed  from  her  a  daughter's  love,  and  then, 
returning  the  caress^,  she  said  : 

"  Oh,  mamma  !  Oh,  mamma  !  If  I  were  only  a  boy 
instead  of  a  girl,  I  Avould  thrash  that  Le  ISToir  within  an 
inch  of  his  life  !    But  I  forgot  !  he  is  gone  to  his  account/' 

Old  Hurricane  was  at  this  moment  shaking  hands  with 
his  son.  Traverse,  who  presently  took  occasion  to  lead  up 
and  introduce  his  betrothed  wife,  Clara  Day,  to  her 
destined  father-in-law. 

Major  Warfield  received  her  with  all  a  soldier's  gallan- 
try, a  gentleman's  courtesy  and  a  father's  tenderness. 

He  next  shook  hands  with  his  old  acquaintance,  Mrs. 
Le  Noir. 

And  then  supper  was  ordered,  and  the  evening  was 
passed  in  general  and  comparative  reminiscences  and  cheer- 
ful conversation. 


CHAPTER  LXI. 

"THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE.'* 

Holy  Bible. 

"  They  shall  be  blessed  exceedingly ;  their  store 
Grow  daily,  weekly  more  and  more, 
And  peace  so  multiply  around, 
Their  very  hearth  seems  holy  ground." 

— Mary  Howitt. 

The  marriage  of  Capitola  and  Herbert,  and  that  of 
Clara  and  of  Traverse,  was  fixed  to  take  place  upon  the 
first  of  August,  which  was  the  twenty-first  birth-day  of  the 
doctor's  daughter,  and  also  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of 
the  wedding  of  Ira  Warfield  and  Mar  ah  Eock^. 


588         THER12  SHALL  BJJ  LIGHT  AT  TIlEj  EVENTIDE." 

German  husbands  and  wives  have  a  beautiful  custom  of 
keeping  the  twenty-fifth  aniversary  of  their  marriage  by  a 
festival  which  they  call  the  "  Silver  Wedding/^  And  thus 
Major  Warfield  and  Marah  resolved  to  keep  this  first  of 
August,  and  farther  to  honor  the  occasion  by  uniting  the 
hands  of  their  young  people. 

There  was  but  one  cloud  upon  the  happiness  of  Capitola  ; 
this  was  the  approaching  execution  of  Black  Donald. 

No  one  else  seemed  to  care  about  the  matter,  until  a  cir- 
cumstance occurred  which  painfully  aroused  their  interest. 

This  was  the  fact  that  the  Governor,  through  the  solici- 
tation of  certain  ministers  of  the  gospel,  who  represented 
the  condemned  as  utterly  unprepared  to  meet  his  fate,  had 
respited  him  until  the  first  of  August,  at  which  time,  he 
wished  the  prisoner  to  be  made  to  understand  that  his  sen- 
tence would  certainly,  without  farther  delay,  be  carried 
into  effect 

This  carried  a  sort  of  consternation  into  the  heart  of 
every  member  of  the  Hurricane  Hall  household  ! 

The  idea  of  Black  Donald  being  hung  in  their  immedi- 
ate neighborhood  upon  their  wedding  day  was  appalling  ! 

Yet  there  was  no  help  for  it,  unless  their  wedding  was 
postponed  to  another  occasion  than  that  upon  which  Old 
Hurricane  had  set  his  heart.    No  one  knew  what  to  do. 

Cap  fretted  herself  almost  sick.  She  had  cudgelled  her 
brains  to  no  purpose.  She  had  not  been  able  to  think  of 
any  plan  by  which  she  could  deliver  Black  Donald.  Mean- 
time the  last  days  of  July  were  rapidly  passing  away. 

Black  Donald  in  the  condemned  cell  maintained  his 
firmness,  resolutely  asserting  his  innocence  of  any  capital 
crime,  and  persistently  refusing  to  give  up  his  band.  As  a 
last  motive  of  confession,  the  paper  written  by  Gabriel  Le 
Noir  upon  his  death-bed  was  shown  him.  He  laughed  a 
loud,  crackling  laugh,  and  said  that  was  all  true,  but  that 
he,  for  his  j)art,  never  had  intended  to  harm  a  hair  of  Oap- 
itola's  head  ;  that  he  had  taken  a  fancy  to  the  girl  when 


THERE  SHALL  BE    LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE.^'  5S0 

he  had  first  seen  her^  and  had  only  wanted  to  carry  her  off 
and  force  her  into  a  marriage  with  himself ;  that  he  had 
pretended  to  consent  to  her  death  only  for  the  purpose  of 
saving  her  life. 

When  Cap  heard  this  she  burst  into  tears,  and  said  she 
believed  it  was  true  ! 

The  night  before  the  wedding  of  Capitola  and  Herbert, 
and  Clara  and  Traverse,  and  of  the  execution  of  Black 
Donald^  came. 

At  Hurricane  Hall,  the  two  prospective  bridegrooms 
were  busy  ^vith  Old  Hurricane  over  some  papers  that  had 
to  be  prepared  in  the  library. 

The  two  intended  brides  were  engaged,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Mrs.  Wariield,  in  lier  dressing  room,  consulting  over 
certain  proprieties  of  the  approaching  festival.  But  Cap- 
itola could  give  only  a  half  attention  to  the  discussion.  Her 
thoughts  were  with  the  poor  condemned  man  who  was  to 
die  the  next  day. 

And  suddenly  she  flew  out  of  the  room,  summoned  her 
groom,  mounted  her  horse,  and  rode  away. 

In  his  condemned  cell  Black  Donald  was  bitterly  realiz- 
ing how  unprepared  he  was  to  die,  and  how  utterly  impossi- 
ble it  was  for  him  to  prepare  in  the  short  hours  left.  He 
tried  to  pray,  but  could  form  no  other  petition  than  tliat 
he  might  be  allowed,  if  possible,  a  little  longer  to  fit  him- 
self to  meet  his  Creator.  From  his  cell  he  could  hear 
the  striking  of  the  great  clock  in  the  prison  hall.  And 
as  every  hour  struck,  it  seomed  nail  driven  in  his 
coffin.^^ 

At  eight  o^clock  that  night  the  warden  sat  in  his  little 
oflBce,  consulting  the  sheriff  about  some  details  of  the  ap- 
proaching execution.    While  they  were  still  in  discussion, 
a  turnkey  opened  the  door,  saying  : 
A  lady  to  see  the  warden. 

And  Capitola  stood  before  them  ! 

'^Miss  Black  V  exclaimed  both  sheriff  and  warden. 


690         THEEE  SHALL  BE  LIOHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE." 

rising  in  surprise,  gazing  upon  our  heroine,  and  addressing 
her  by  the  name  under  which  they  had  first  known  her. 

"  Yes,  gentlemen,  it  is  I.  TJie  truth  is,  I  cannot  rest 
to-night  without  saying  a  few  words  of  comfort  to  the  poor 
man  who  is  to  die  to-morrow.  So  I  came  hither,  attended 
by  my  groom,  to  know  if  I  may  see  him  for  a  few 
minutes/' 

^^Miss  Black,  here  is  the  sheriff.  It  is  just  as  he 
pleases.  My  orders  were  so  strict  that  had  you  come  to  me 
alone  I  should  have  been  obliged  to  refuse  you.''' 

"  Mr.  Keepe,  you  will  not  refuse  me,"  said  Oapitola 
turning  to  the  sheriff. 

^^Miss  Black,  my  rule  is  to  admit  no  one  but  the 
officers  of  the  prison  and  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  to  see 
the  condemned  !  This  we  have  been  obliged  to  observe  as 
a  measure  of  safety.  This  convict,  as  you  are  aware,  is  a 
man  of  consummate  cunning,  so  that  it  is  really  wonderful 
he  has  not  found  means  to  make  his  escape,  closely  as  he 
has  been  watched  and  strongly  as  he  has  been  guarded." 

Ah,  but  Mr.  Keepe,  his  cunning  was  no  match  for 
mine,  you  know  V  said  Capitohi,  smiling. 

Ha-ha-ha  !  so  it  was  not  !  You  took  him  very  cleverly  ! 
very  cleverly,  indeed  I  In  fact,  if  it  had  not  been  for  you, 
I  doubt  if  ever  we  should  have  captured  Black  Donald  at  all. 
The  authorities  are  entirely  indebted  to  you  for  the  capture 
of  this  notorious  outlaw.  And  really  that  being  the  case,  I 
do  think  it  would  be  straining  a  point  to  refuse  you  admit- 
tance to  see  him  !  So,  Miss  Black,  you  have  my  authority 
for  visiting  the  condemned  man  in  his  cell  and  giving  him 
all  the  comfort  you  can.  I  would  attend  you  thither  my- 
self, but  I  have  got  to  go  to  see  the  captain  of  a  militia  com- 
pany to  be  on  the  scene  of  action  to-morrow,''  said  the 
sheriff, who  soon  after  took  leave  of  the  warden  and  departed. 

The  warden  then  called  a  turnkey  and  ordered  him  to 
attend  Miss  Black  to  the  condemned  cell. 


"  THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE."  591 

The  young  turnkey  took  up  a  lamp  and  a  great  key  and 
walked  before,  leading  tlie  way  down  stairs  to  a  cell  in  the 
interior  of  the  basement,  occupied  by  Black  Donald. 

He  unlocked  the  door,  admitted  Capitola,  and  then 
walked  off  to  the  extremity  of  the  lobby,  as  he  was  accus- 
tomed to  do  when  he  let  in  the  preachers. 

Capitola  thanked  heaven  for  this  chance,  for  had  he  not 
done  so  she  would  have  had  to  invent  some  excuse  of  getting 
rid  of  him. 

She  entered  the  cell.  It  was  very  dimly  lighted  from 
the  great  lamp  that  hung  in  the  lobby,  nearly  opposite  the 
cell  door. 

By  its  light  she  saw  Black  Donald,  not  only  doubly  ironed 
but  confined  by  a  chain  and  staple  to  the  wall.  He  was 
very  pale  and  haggard  from  long  imprisonment  and  great 
anxiety. 

Cap's  heart  bled  for  the  poor  banned  and  blighted 
outlaw,  who  had  not  a  friend  in  the  world  to  speak  a  kind 
word  to  him  in  his  trouble. 

He  also  recognized  her,  and  rising  and  coming  to  meet 
her  as  far  as  the  length  of  the  chain  would  permit,  he  held 
out  his  hand  and  said  : 

^'  I  am  very  glad  you  have  come,  little  one  ;  it  is  very 
kind  of  you  to  come  and  see  a  poor  fellow  in  his  extremity  ! 
You  are  the  first  female  that  has  been  in  my  cell  since  my 
imprisonment.  Think  of  that,  child  !  I  wanted  to  see  j^ou 
too  ;  I  wanted  to  say  to  you  yourself  again,  that  I  never 
was  guilty  of  murder,  and  that  I  only  seemed  to  consent  to 
your  death  to  save  your  life  !  Do  you  believe  this  ? — On 
the  word  of  a  dying  man  it  is  truth  \" 

I  do  believe  you,  Donald  Bayne,"  said  Capitola,  in  a 
broken  voice. 

I  hear  that  you  have  come  into  your  estate  !  I  am 
glad  of  it.  And  they  tell  me  that  you  are  going  to  be  mar- 
ried to-morrow  !   Well !  God  bless  you,  little  one  V 


592     "  THEEE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE.'* 

Oh,  Donald  Bayne  I  Can  you  say  God  bless  me,  when 
it  was  I  who  put  you  here 

"  Tut,  child,  we  outlaws  bear  no  malice  !  Spite  is  a 
civilized  vice  !  It  was  a  fair  contest,  child,  and  you  con- 
quered !  It's  well  you  did  !  Give  me  your  hand  in  good 
will,  since  I  must  die  to-morrow  !" 

Capitola  gave  her  hand,  and  while  he  held  it,  she 
stooped  and  said  : 

^'  Donald  !  I  have  done  everything  in  the  world  to  save 
your  life  \" 

I  know  you  have,  child.  May  yours  be  long  and 
happy/' 

'^Donald,  may  your  life  be  longer  and  better  than  you 
think.  I  have  tried  all  other  means  of  saving  you  in  vain; 
there  is  but  one  means  left.-" 

The  outlaw  started  violently,  exclaiming: 

^'  Is  THERE  ONE  ?" 

Donald,  yes  !  there  is  !  I  bring  you  the  means  of 
deliverance  and  escape.  Heaven  knows  whethet-  I  am 
doing  right — for  I  do  not.  I  know  many  people  would 
blame  me  very  much,  but  I  hope  that  he  who  forgave  the 
thief  upon  the  cross  and  the  sinful  woman  at  his  feet,  will 
not  condemn  me  for  following  his  own  compassionate  ex- 
ample. For  Donald,  as  /  was  the  person  whom  you  injured 
most  of  all  others,  so  I  consider  that  /  of  all  others  have 
the  best  riglit  to  pardon  you  and  set  you  free.  Oh,  Don- 
ald !  use  well  the  life  I  am  about  to  give  you,  else  I  shall 
be  chargeable  with  every  future  sin  you  commit  \" 

*^In  the  name  of  mercy  do  not  hold  out  a  false  hope. 
I  had  nerved  myself  to  die.'' 

"  But  you  were  not  prepared  to  meet  your  Maker.  Oh, 
Donald  !  I  hold  out  no  false  hope !  Listen,  for  I  must 
speak  low  and  quick — I  could  never  be  happy  again,  if,  on 
my  wedding  day,  you  should  die  a  felon's  death  !  Hero  ! 
here  are  tools  with  the  use  of  which  you  must  be  .'ic- 
quainted,  for  they  were  found  in  the  woods  near  the  Hidden 


"  THEEE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE."  593 

House  V  said  CapitoLi,  producing  from  her  pockets  a  burg- 
lar's look-pick,  saw,  chisel,  file,  etc. 

Black  Donald  seized  them  as  a  famished  wolf  might 
seize  his  prey. 

Will  they  do      inquired  Oapitola,  in  breathless 
anxiety. 

Yes  !  yes  !  yes  !  I  can  file  off  my  irons,  pick  every 
lock,  drive  back  every  bolt,  and  dislodge  every  bar  between 
myself  and  freedom  with  these  instruments  !  But,  child, 
these  is  one  thing  you  have  forgotten  :  suppose  a  turnkey 
or  a  guard  should  stop  me  ? — ^you  have  brought  me  no 
revolver  !" 

Capitola  turned  pale. 

"  Donald,  I  could  easily  have  brought  you  a  revolver  ; 
but  I  would  not,  even  to  save  you  from  to-morrow^s  death. 
'No,  Donald  !  no  !  I  give  you  the  means  of  freeing  yourself, 
if  you  can  do  it,  as  you  may,  without  bloodshed.  But, 
Donald,  though  your  life  is  not  justly  forfeited,  your 
liberty  is,  and  so  I  cannot  give  you  the  means  of  taking 
any  one's  life  for  the  sake  of  saving  your  own.^^ 
You  are  right, said  the  outlaw. 
Listen,  further,  Donald.  Here  are  a  thousand  dollars. 
I  thought  never  to  have  taken  it  from  the  bank,  for  I  would 
never  have  used  the  price  of  blood.  But  I  drew  it  to-day 
for  you.  Take  it — it  will  help  you  to  live  a  hotter  life. 
When  you  have  picked  your  way  out  of  this  place,  go  to 
the  great  elm  tree  at  the  back  of  the  old  mill,  and  you  will 
find  my  horse,  Gyp,  whom  I  shall  have  tied  there.  He  is 
very  swift — mount  him  and  ride  for  your  life  to  the  nearest 
seaport,  and  so  escape  by  a  vessel  to  some  foreign  country. 
And  oh  !  try  to  lead  a  good  life,  and  may  God  redeem  you, 
Donald  Bayne  !  There  !  conceal  your  tools  and  money  , 
quickly,  for  I  hear  the  guard  coming.  Good-bye  !  and 
again, — God  redeem  you,  Donald  Bayne  V 

••'  God  bless  you,  brave  and  tender  girl  !  And  God  for- 
sake me  if  I  do  not  heed  your  advice     said  the  outlaw. 


594:     "  THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE." 

pressing  the  hand  she  gave  him,  while  the  tears  rushed  to 
his  eyes. 

The  guard  approached,  Capitola  turned  to  meet  him. 
They  left  the  cell  together,  and  Black  Donald  was  locked 
in  for  the  last  time. 

0,  I  hope,  I  pray  that  he  may  get  off  !  0,  what 
shall  I  do  if  he  doesn't !  How  can  I  enjoy  my  wedding 
to-morrow !  how  can  I  bear  the  music,  and  the  dancing, 
and  the  rejoicing,  when  I  know  that  a  fellow  creature  is  in 
such  a  strait !  Oh  !  Lord  grant  that  Black  Donald  may 
get  clear  off  to-niglit,  for  he  isn't  fit  to  die  V  said  Cap  to 
herself  as  she  hurried  out  of  the  prison. 

Her  young  groom  was  waiting  for  her,  and  she  mounted 
her  horse  and  rode  until  they  got  to  the  old  haunted 
church  at  the  end  of  the  village,  when,  drawing  rein,  she 
said  : 

"Jem,  I  am  very  tired.  I  will  wait  here,  and  you 
must  just  ride  back  to  the  village,  to  Mr.  CasselFs  livery 
stable,  and  get  a  gig,  and  put  your  horse  into  it,  and  come 
back  here  to  drive  me  home,  for  I  cannot  ride.'' 

Jem,  who  never  questioned  his  imperious  little  mis- 
tress's orders,  rode  off  at  once  to  do  her  bidding. 

Cap  immediately  dismounted  from  her  pony,  and  led 
him  under  the  deep  shadows  of  the  elm  tree,  where  she 
fastened  him.  Then  taking  his  face  between  her  hands,  and 
looking  him  in  the  eyes,  she  said  : 

"  Gyp,  my  son,  you  and  I  have  had  many  a  frolic  to- 
gether, but  we've  got  to  part  now  !  It  almost  breaks  my 
heart.  Gyp,  but  it  is  to  save  a  fellow  creature's  life,  and  it 
can't  be  helped  !  He'll  treat  you  well,  for  my  sake,  dear 
Gyp.  Gyp  !  he'll  part  with  his  life  sooner  than  sell  you  ! 
Good-bye  dear,  dear  Gyp  !" 

Gyp  took  all  these  caresses  in  a  very  nonchalant  manner, 
only  snorting  and  pawing  in  reply. 

Presently  the  boy  came  back,  bringing  the  gig.  Cap 


"  THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE.''  595 

once  mere  hugged  Gyp  about  the  neck,  pressed  her  cheek 
against  his  mane,  and  witli  a  whispered  ^'  Grood-bye,  dear 
Gyp,''  sprang  into  the  gig,  and  ordered  the  boy  to  drive 
home. 

An'  k-ab  the  pony,  Miss  ?" 

Oh  yes,  for  the  present ;  everybody  knows  Gyp, — no 
one  will  steal  him.  I  have  left  him  length  of  line  enough 
to  -move  around  a  little  and  eat  grass,  drink  from  the  brook, 
or  lie  down.  You  can  come  after  him  early  to-morrow 
morning-." 

The  little  groom  thought  this  a  queer  arrangement,  but 
he  was  not  in  the  habit  of  criticizing  his  young  mistress's 
actions. 

Capitola  got  home  to  a  late  supper,  and  to  the  anxious 
inquiries  of  her  friends  she  replied  that  she  had  been  to  the 
prison  to  take  leave  of  Black  Donald,  and  begged  that  they 
would  not  pursue  so  painful  a  subject. 

And,  in  respect  to  Cap's  sympathies,  they  changed  the 
conversation. 

That  night  the  remnant  of  Black  Donald's  band  were 
assembled  in  their  first  old  haunt,  the  Old  Eoad  Inn. 
They  had  met  for  a  two-fold  purpose — to  bury  their  old 
matron,  Mother  Kaven,  who,  since  the  death  of  her  patron 
and  the  apprehension  of  her  Captain,  had  returned  to  the 
inn  to  die — and  to  bewail  the  fate  of  their  leader,  whose 
execution  was  expected  to  come  off  the  next  day. 

The  men  laid  the  poor  old  woman  in  her  woodland 
grave,  and  assembled  in  the  kitchen  to  keep  a  death  watch 
in  sympathy  with  their  unfortunate  "  Captain.  They 
gathered  around  the  table,  and  foaming  mugs  of  ale  were 
freely  quaffed,  for  sorrow's  dry^^  they  said.  But  neither 
laugh,  song,  nor  jest  attended  their  draughts.  They  were 
to  keep  that  night's  vigil  in  honor  of  their  Captain,  and 
then  were  to  disband  and  separate  forever. 

Suddenly,  in  the  midst  of  their  heavy  grief  and  utter 


59G     "  THEEE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVEKTIDE.^' 

silence,  a  familiar  sound  was  heard — a  ringing  footstep 
under  the  hack  windows. 

And  every  man  leaped  to  his  feet;,  with  looks  of  wild 
delight  and  questioning. 

And  the  next  instant  the  door  was  flung  wide  open,  and 
the  outlaw  chief  stood  among  them  ! 

Hal'  leaped  forward  and  flung  himself  around  Black 
Donald's  neck,  exclaiming — 

It's  you  !  it's  you  !  it's  you  !  my  dear  !  my  darling  ! 
my  adored  !  my  sweetheart  !  my  prince  !  my  lord  !  my 
king  I  my  dear,  dear  Captain  !" 

Steve,  the  lazy  mulatto,  rolled  down  upon  the  flooi*  at 
his  master's  feet,  and  embraced  them  in  silence. 

While  Demon  Dick  growled  forth — 
How  the  foul  fiend  did  you  get  out  ?" 

And  the  anxious  faces  of  all  the  other  men  silently 
repeated  the  question. 

Not  by  any  help  of  yours,  boys  !  But  don't  think  I 
reproach  you,  lads  !  Well  I  know  that  you  could  do  noth- 
ing on  earth  to  save  me  !  No  one  on  earth  could  have  helped 
me  except  the  one  who  really  freed  me — Capitola  !" 

"That  girl  again  !"  exclaimed  Hal',  in  the  extremity  of 
wonder. 

Steve  stopped  rolling  and  curling  himself  around  the  feet 
of  his  master,  and  gazed  up  in  stupid  astonishment. 

"It's  to  be  hoped,  then,  you've  got  her  at  last,  Cai3tain," 
said  Demon  Dick. 

"No— Heaven  bless  her  ! — she's  in  better  hands.  Now 
listen,  lads,  for  I  must  talk  fast !  I  have  already  lost  a  great 
deal  too  much  time.  I  went  first  to  the  cave  in  the  Punch 
Bowl,  and  not  finding  you  there,  came  here  at  a  venture, 
where  I  am  happy  to  meet  you  for  the  last  time — for  to- 
night we  disband  forever  !" 

"  'Twas  our  intention,  Capfcaih,"  said  HaP,  in  a  melan- 
choly voice.  " 


"  THEliE  SHALL  BE  LiGIlT  AT  THE  EVEKTIDE."  597 

Black  Donald  then  threw  himself  into  a  seat  at  the  head 
of  the  table,  poured  out  a  mug  of  ale,  and  invited  his  band 
to  pledge  him.  They  gathered  around  the  table,  filled  their 
mugs,  pledged  him  standing,  and  then  resumed  their  seats 
to  listen  to  the  last  words  of  their  chief. 

Black  Donald  commenced  and  related  the  manner  of 
his  deliverance  by  Capitola  ;  and  then  taking  from  his 
bosom  a  bag  of  gold,  he  poured  it  upon  the  table  and 
divided  it  into  two  equal  portions,  one  of  which  he  handed 
to    Headlong  HalV^  saying — 

''There,  Hal',  take  that  and  divide  it  among  your  com- 
panions, and  scatter  to  distant  parts  of  the  country^  where 
you  may  yet  have  a  chance  of  earning  an  honest  livelihood! 
As  for  me  I  shall  have  to  quit  the  country  altogether,  and 
it  will  take  nearly  half  this  sum  to  enable  me  to  do  it.  Now 
I  shall  have  not  a  minute  more  to  give  you  !  So  once  more 
pledge  your  Captain,  and  away  I" 

The  men  filled  their  mugs,  rose  to  their  feet,  and 
pledged  their  leader  in  a  parting  toast,  and  then — 

Good  luck  to  you  all  I"  exclaimed  Black  Donald,  wav- 
ing his  hat  thrice  above  his  head  with  a  valedictory  hurrah. 
And  the  next  moment  he  was  gone  ! 

That  night,  if  any  watchman  had  been  on  guard  near 
the  stables  of  Hurricane  Hall,  he  might  have  seen  a  tall  man 
mounted  upon  Capitola^s  pony,  ride  up  in  hot  haste,  dis- 
mount and  pick  the  stable  lock,  take  Gyp  by  the  bridle  and 
lead  him  in,  and  presently  return  leading  out  Fleetfoot,  Old 
Hurricane's  racer,  upon  which  he  mounted  and  rode  away. 

The  next  morning,  while  Capitola  was  dressing,  her 
groom  rapped  at  the  door  and,  in  great  dismay,  begged  that 
he  might  speak  to  Miss  Cap  one  minute. 

''Well,  what  i«s  it,  Jem  ?"  said  Capitola. 

"  Oh,  Miss  Cap,  you^ll  kill  me  !  I  done  been  got  up  long 
afore  day  and  gone  to  Tip  Top  r.rter  Gyp ;  but  somebody 
done  been  stole  him  away  afore  I  got  there  T' 


698     "  THERE  SHALL  BE5  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE.^* 

Thank  Heaven  cried  Capitola,  to  little  Jem^s  un- 
speakable amazement.  For  to  Capitola  the  absence  of  her 
horse  meant  Just  the  escape  of  Black  Donald  ! 

The  next  minute  Cap  sighed  and  said  : 
Poor  Gyp  !  I  shall  never  see  you  again  V 

That  was  all  she  knew  of  the  future  ! 

That  morning  while  they  were  all  at  breakfast,  a  groom 
from  the  stable  came  in,  with  a  little  canvas  bag  in  his  hand, 
which  he  laid,  with  a  bow,  before  his  master. 

Major  Warfield  took  it  up  ;  it  was  full  of  gold,  and  upon 
one  side  was  written,  in  red  chalk  : 

Three  hundred  dollars,  to  pay  for  ileetfoot.  Black 
Donald,  Reformed  Roller. 

While  Old  Hurricane  was  reading  this  inscription,  the 
groom  said  that  Fleetfoot  was  missing  from  his  stall,  and 
that  Miss  Cap^s  pony,  that  was  supposed  to  have  been 
stolen,  was  found  in  his  place,  with  this  bag  of  gold  tied 
around  his  neck  ! 

"It  is  Black  Donald  !  he  has  escaped  V'  cried  Old 
Hurricane,  about  to  fling  himself  into  a  rage,  when  his 
furious  eyes  encountered  the  gentle  gaze  of  Marah,  that 
fell  like  oil  on  the  waves  of  his  rising  passion. 

"  Let  him  go  I  I'll  not  storm  on  my  silver  wedding- 
day, said  Major  Warfield. 

As  for  Cap,  her  eyes  danced  with  delight ;  the  only 
little  clouds  upon  her  bright  sky  were  removed.  Black 
Donald  had  escaped  to  commence  a  better  life,  and  Gyp 
was  restored  ! 

That  evening  a  magnificent,  old-fashioned  wedding  came 
off  at  Hurricane  Hall. 

The  double  ceremony  was  performed  by  the  bishop  of 
the  diocese  (then  on  a  visit  to  the  neighborhood),  in  the 
,^reat  saloon  of  Hurricane  Hall,  in  the  presence  of  as  large 
and  splendid  an  assembly  as  could  be  gathered  together 
from  that  remote  neighborhood. 


"  THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE."  599 


The  two  brides^  of  course,  were  loyely  in  white  satin 
and  honiton  lace,  pearls  and  orange  flowers.  Equally/^ 
of  course,  the  bridegrooms  were  handsome  and  elegant, 
proud  and  happy. 

To  this  old-fashioned  wedding  succeeded  a  round  of 
dinners  and  evening  parties  given  by  the  wedding  guests. 
And  when  all  these  old-time  customs  had  been  observed  for 
the  satisfaction  of  old  friends,  the  bridal  party  went  upon 
the  new-fashioned  tour,  for  their  own  delight.  They  spent 
a  year  in  traveling  over  the  Eastern  Continent,  and  then 
returned  home  to  settle  upon  their  patrimonial  estates. 

Major  Warfield  and  Marah  live  at  Hurricane  Hall,  and 
as  his  heart  is  satisfied  and  at  rest,  his  temper  is  gradually 
improving.  As  the  lion  shall  be  led  by  the  little  child.  Old 
Hurricane  is  led  by  the  gentlest  woman  that  ever  loved  or 
suffered,  and  she  is  leading  him  in  his  old  age  to  the 
Saviour's  feet. 

Clara  and  Traverse  live  at  Willow  Heights,  which  has 
been  repaired,  enlarged  and  improved,  and  where  Traverse 
has  already  an  extensive  practice,  and  where  both  endeavor 
to  emulate  the  enlightened  goodness  of  the  sainted  Doctor 
Day. 

Cap  and  Herbert,  with  Mrs.  Le  N"oir,  live  at  the  Hidden 
House,  which  has  been  turned  by  wealth  and  taste  into  a 
dwelling  of  light  and  beauty.  As  the  bravest  are  always 
the  gentlest,  so  the  most  high-spirited  are  always  the  most 
forgiving.  And  thus  the  weak  or  wicked  old  Dorcas 
Knight  still  finds  a  home  under  the  roof  of  Mrs.  Le  Noir. 
Her  only  retribution  being  the  very  mild  one  of  having  her 
relations  changed  in  the  fact  that  her  temporary  prisoner 
is  now  her  mistress  and  sovereign  lady. 

I  wish  I  could  say  they  all  lived  happy  ever  after/' 
But  the  truth  is,  I  have  reason  to  suppose  that  even  Clara 
had  sometimes  occasion  to  administer  to  Doctor  Rocke 
dignified  curtain  lectures;  which  no  doubt  did  him  good,, 


600     "  THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT  AT  THE  EVENTIDE/ 


And  I  know  for  a  positive  fact,  that  our  Cap  sometimes 
gives  her  "  dear,  darling,  sweet  Herbert,^'  the  benefit  of  the 
sharp  edge  of  her  tongue,  which  of  course  he  deserves. 

But  notwithstanding  all  this,  I  am  happy  to  say  that 
they  all  enjoy  a  fair  amount  of  human  felicity. 


THE  ENJ}.. 


e.  W.  DILLENCHAM,  Successor. 


1887. 


1887. 


NEW  BOOKS 

AND  NEW  EDITIONS, 

■P.ECEXTLY  ISSUED  BY 

W.  I>Ii:.i:.I]\GHAM,  I»iil>Uslier, 

Successor  to  G.  W.  Carleton  &  Co., 
33  West  23d  Street,  New  York. 


Tht  Publisher  on  receipt  of  price,  will  send  any  book 
on  this  Catalogue  by  mail,  postage  free. 


All  handsomely  bound  in  cloth,  with  gilt  backs  suitable  for  libraries. 

Mary  J.  Holmes'  Novels. 


Tempest  and  Sunshine  $i  50 

English  Orphans    1  50 

Homestead  on  the  Hillside   i  50 

'Lena  Rivers   i  50 

Meadow  Brook   i  50 

Dora  Deane   i  50 

Cousin  Maude   15* 

Marian  Grey   i  50 

Edith  Lyle...   1  50 

Daisy  Thornton                     ..  150 

Chateau  D'Or   i  50 

Queenie  Hetherton   i  50 

Bessie's  Fortune   i  50 


Darkness  and  Daylight. 

Hugh  Worthington  

Cameron  Pride  

Rose  Mather  

Ethelyn's  Mistake  

Millbank  

Edna  Browning  

Wes'c  Lawn  

Mildred  , 

Forrest  House  

Madeline  ,  

Christmas  Stories  

Gretchen....(New). 


Charles  Dickens— 15  Vols.—"  Carleton's  Edition." 

David  Copperfield  

Nicholas  Nickleby  

Little  Dorrit  


Pickwick  and  Catalogue  .$1  50 

DombeyandSon   i  50 

Bleak  House   15° 

Martin  Chuzzlewit   150 

BamabyRudge — Edwin  Drood.  150 
Child'sEngland— Miscellaneous  i  50 
Christmas  Books — Two  Cities..  150 
Oliver  Twist— Uncommercial..   1  50 


Our  Mutual  Friend  

Curiosity  Shop — Miscellaneous. 
Sketches  by  Boz— Hard  Times. 

Great  Expectations — Italy  

Full  Sets  in  half  calf  bindings  


Marion  Harland's  Novels. 


Alone...  §1  50 

Hidden  Path   i  50 

Moss  Side   .    i  50 

Nemesis   1  50 

Miriam...,,   i  50 

Agnsta  J.  Evans'  Novels 


At  Last. 

Sunnybank  „  • 

Ruby's  Husband  

My  Little  Love  

True  as  Steel.... (New). 


Beulah  $1  75 

Macaria.   i  75 

Inez   I  75 

At  thfi  Mercy  of  Tiberius.  (New)  a  00 


St.  Elmo. 
Vashti  . 
Infelice. 


$1 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

SO 

I 

50 

I 

50 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

50 

I 

50 

50 

00 

$1 

50 

I 

5° 

I 

50 

I 

50 

I 

50 

00 

2 

00 

2. 

00 

J  G.  W.  DILLINGHAM'S  PUBLICATIONS. 


Guy  Earlscourt's  Wife  $i 

A  Wonderful  Woman   i  50 

A  Terrible  Secret   150 

A  Mad  Marriage   i  50 

Norine's  Revenge  ,   i  50 

One  Night's  Mystery   1  50 

Kate  Danton   i  50 

Silent  and  True   i  50 

Maude  Percy's  Secret.   i  50 

A  New  Novel   i  50 


May  Agnes  Fleming's  Novels. 


Allan  Pinkerton's  Works. 


Heir  of  Charlton  $1  50 

Carried  by  Storm   150 

Lost  for  a  Woman   i  50 

A  Wife's  Tragedy   i  50 

A  Changed  Heart   i  50 

Pride  and  Passion   i  50 

Sharing  Her  Crime   i  50 

A  Wronged  Wife   i  50 

The  Actress  Daughter   •  x  50 

The  Queen  of  the  Isle., (New),    i  50 


Expressmen  and  Detectives  $1  50 

MoUie  Maguires  and  Detectives,  i  50 
Somnambulists  and  Detectives.,  i  50 
Claude  Melnotte  and  Detectives,  i  50 
Criminal  Reminiscences,  etc....    1  50 

Rail-Road  Forger,  etc   i  50 

Bank  Robbers  and  Detectives...   i  50 

A  Double  Life  (New)   i  50 

Hertka  Clay's  Novels 


Gypsies  and  Detectives   50 

Spiritualists  and  Detectives   i  50 

Model  Town  and  Detectives..,,,  i  50 

Strikers,  Communists,'etc   i  50 

Mississippi  Outlaws,  etc   i  50 

Bucholz  and  Detectives   i  50 

Burglar's  Fate  and  Detectives...  i  50 


Thrown  on  the  V/orld  $1  50 

A  Bitter  Atonement   i  50 

Love  Works  Wonders   1  50 

Evelyn's  Folly   i  50 

Under  a  Shadow   150 

Beyond  Pardon   i  50 

The  Earl's  Atonement   i  50 

New  York  Weekly  "  Series. 


A  Woman's  Temptation  ..$x  50 

Repented  at  Leisure   i  50 

A  Struggle  for  a  Ring   1  50 

Lady  Damer's  Secret   i  50 

Between  Two  Loves   i  50 

Put  Asunder  (New)   i  50 


Brownie's  Triumph — Sheldon... $1  50 
The  Forsaken  Bride.  do  ...  150 
Earl  Wayne's  Nobility.do  ...  i  50 
Lost,  a  Pearle —  do     ...   i  50 

Young  Mrs. Charnleigh-Henshew  i  50 

His  Other  Wife— Ashleigh   i  50 

A  Woman's  Web— Maitland   150 


Rutledge  Si 

Louie's  Last  Term,  St.  Mary's. 


Miriam  Coles  Harris'  Novels. 


Curse  of  Everleigh — Pierce  $1  50 

Peerless  Cathleen — Agnew   i  50 

Faithful  Margaret— Ashmore....  150 

Nick  Whiffles— Robinson   i  50 

Grinder  Papers— Dallas   i  50 

Lady  Lenora — Conklin   i  50 

Stella  Rosevelt— Sheldon.. (New)  i  5° 


The  Sutherlands    fi  50 

Frank  JA/^arrington   1  50 


A.  Si  Roe's  Select  Stories. 

True  to  the  Last   $1  50  I  A  Long  Look  Ahead  $1  50 

The  Star  and  the  Cloud   i  50    I've  Been  Thinking   i  50 

How  Could  He  Help  it  ?    i  50    To  Love  and  to  be  Loved   i  50 

Julie  P.  Smith's  Novels. 


Widow  Goldsmith's  Daughter.. $1  50 

Chris  and  Otho   1  50 

Ten  Old  Maids   i  50 

Lucy  '.   I  50 

His  Young  Wife   i  50 


The  Widower   50 

The  Married  Belle   i  50 

Courting  and  Farming   i  50 

Kiss  and  be  Friends   i  50 

Blossom  Bud  (New)   i  50 


Artemas  Ward. 

Complete  Comic  Writings — With  Biography.  Portrait  and  50  illustrations.. 50 

The  Game  of  Whist. 
Pole  on  Whist— The  English  Standard  Work.    With  the""  Portland  Rules  75 

Victor  Hugo's  Great  Novel. 
Les  Miserables — ^Translated  fron  the  French.   The  only^complete  edition... .$1  50 

Mrs.  Hill's  Cook  Book. 
Mrs.  A.  P.  Hill's  New  Southern  Cookery  Book,  and  domestic  receipts.  .^$2  00 
Celia  £.  Gardner's^  Novels. 


Stolen  Waters.   (In  verse)  $1  50 

Broken  Dreams.      do   i  50 

Compensation.         do   1  50 

A  Twisted  Skein,     do   i  50 


Tested  $1  50 

Rich  Medway  ,   i  50 

A  Woman's  Wiles   i  50 

Terrace  Roses.....   i  50 


G.  W.  DILLINGHAIvPS  P UBLICATIOXS. 


The  Scalp  Hunters  §i 

The  Rifle  Rangers   i 

The  War  Trail   i 

The  Wood  Rangers   i 

The  Wild  Huntress   i 


Captain  Mayne  Reid's  "Works 


The  White  Chief.  f  i  50 

The  Tiger  Hunter    i  5c 

The  Hunter's  Feast   i  50 

Wild  Life.   i  50 

Osceola,  the  SeminoU  150 


Hand-Books  of  Society. 

The  Habits  of  Good  Society — The  nice  points  of  taste  and  good  manners,  .fi  go 

The  Art  of  Conversation — For  those  who  wish  to  be  agreeable  talkers   i  00 

The  Arts  of  Writing,  Readiag  and  Speaking— For  Self-Improvement          i  00 

New  Diamond  Edition — TLe  above  three  books  in  one  volume — small  type,   i  50 

Josh  Billings. 

His  CompIeteWritin£"-^With  Biography,  Steel  Portrait  and  100  Illustrations. $2  00 

Arsene  Honssaye. 

Philosophers  and  i^Ctresses — Steel  portraits  of  Voltaire  and  Mme.  de 

Parabere.    2  vols.,  per  set  §400 

Men  and  Women  of  the  Eighteenth  Century — Steel  portraits^of  Louis 

XV.  and  Mme.  de  Pompadour.    2  vols.,  per  set  =   4  00 

Annie  Edwardes'  Novels. 

Stephen  Lawrence   0i  50  j  A  Woman  of  Fashion  $1  50 

Susan  Fielding   i  50}  Archie  Lovell.  ,   i  50 

Ernest  Renan's  French  Works. 

The  Life  of  Jesus.    Translated... §1  75  I  The  Life  of  St.  Paul.    Translated.^i  75 

Lives  of  the  Apostles.  Do.     ...  1  75  |  The  Bible  in  India — By  Jacoliiot.  200 
G.  W.  Carleton. 

Our  Artist  in  Cuba,  Peru,  Spain  and  Algiers— 150  Caricatures  of  Travel  §1  00 

M.  M.  Pomeroy  (Brick). 

Sense.    A  serious  book.  $1  50:  Nonsense.        comic  book)  §1  50 

Gold  Dust.      Do                           I  50  i  Brick-dust.           Do   i  50 

Our  Saturday  Nights                   i  50;  Home  Harmonies   i  50 

„   ,  Miscellaneous  Works. 

Carleton's  Hand-Book  of  Popular  Quotations— With  their  authorship   50 

Carleton's  Classical  Dictionary — A  Condensed  Mythology  for  popular  use.  75 

Fifty  Years  among  Authors,  Books  and  Publishers — By  J.  C.  Derby,...  2  00 

Children's  Fairy  Geography — Witu.  hundreds  of  beautiful  illustrations   i  00 

Carleton's  Popular  Readings— Edited  by  A»na  Randall  Diehl.   2  vols.,  each  i  50 

Laus  Veneris,  and  other  Poems— By  Algernon  Charles  Swinburne   i  50 

Sawed-off  Sketches— Comic  book  by  "  Detroit  Free  Press  Man."  lUusstrated  i  50 

Hawk-eye  Sketches — Comic  book  bv  "Burlington  Hawk-eye  Man,"    Do.  1  50 

The  Culprit  Fay— Joseph  Rodman  Drake's  Poem.    With  100  illustrations...  2  00 

Parlor  Amusements — Games,  Tricks,  Home  Amusements,  by  Frank  Bellew.  i  oo 

Love  [L' Amour] — English  Translation  from  IMichelet's  famous  French  work,  i  50 

Woman  [La  Femme] — The  Sequel  to  "  L'Amour."       Do.         Do.     _  150 

Verdant  Green— A  racy  English  college  story.    With  200  comic  illustrations,  i  50 

Clear  Light  from  the  Spirit  World— Bv  Kate  Irving   i  25 

Bottom  Facts  Concerning  Spiritualisrn— By  John  \V.  Truesdell    i  50 

Mai  Moulee— A  splendid  Novel,  bv  Ella  Wheeler  Wilcox   i  00 

A  Northern  Governess  at  the  Sunny  South — By  Professor  J.  H.  Tngraham.  i  50 

Birds  of  a  Feather  Flock  Together— By  Edward  A,  Sothern,  the  actor   i  50 

Yachtman's  Primer — Correct  Instructions  for  Amateur  Sailors.   By  Warren.  50 

Longfellow's  Home  Life — By  Blanche  Roosevelt  Machetta.    Illustrated...  i  5c 

Every-Day  Home  Advice— For  Household  and  Domestic  Economy   i  50 

Ladies'  and  Gentlemen's  Etiquette  Book  of  the  best  Fashionable  Society,  i  oo 

Love  and  Marriage — A  book  for  unmarried  people.   By  Frederick  Saunders,  i  00 

Under  the  Rose — A  Capital  book,  by  the  author  of  "  EastLynne  "   i  00 

So  Dear  a  Dream— A  novel  by  Miss  Grant,  author  of  "  The  Sun  Maid."   i  00 

Give  me  thine  Heart — A  capital  new  domestic  Love  Story  by  Roe   i  00 

Meeting  her  Fate — A  charming  novel  by  the  author  of  "  Aurora  Floyd.". . .  i  00 

Faithful  to  the  End — A  delightful  domestic  novel  by  Roe  '   i  00 

So  True  a  Love— A  novel  by  Miss  Grant,  author  of  "  The  Sun  Maid."   i  00 

True  as  Gold — A  charming  domestic  story  by  Roe   i  00 


G.  W,  DILLINGHAM'S  PUBLICATIONS, 


Humorous  Works. 


A  Naughty  Girl's  Diary  %  50 

A  Good  Boy's  Diary   50 

Bad  Boy's  Reader— F.  Bellew..  10 

Abijah  Beanpole  in  New  York.  50 

Never — Companion  to  "  Don't."..  25 

Always — By  author  of  "  Never."..  25 

Stop — By  author  of  "  Never."   25 

Smart  Sayings  of  Children — Paul  i  00 

Crazy  History  of  the  U.  S   50 

Cats,  Cooks,  etc.— By  E.  T.  Ely..  50 


Dawn  to  Noon— By  Violet  Fane..|i  50 

Constance's  Fate.        Do.        ..  1  50 

French  Love  Songs — ^Translated.  50 

Lion  Jack — By  P.  T.  Barnum....  i  50 

Jack  in  the  Jungle.    Do.       ....  i  50 

How  to  Win  in  Wall  Street.. . .  50 

The  Life  of  Sarah  Bernhardt. . .  25 

Arctic  Travels — By  Dr.  Hayes.,  i  50 

Whist  for  Beginners   25 

Flashes  from  "Ouida."   i  25 

Lady  Blake's  Love  Letters   25 

Lone  Ranch — By  Mayne  Reid.. .  i  50 

The  Train  Boy — Horatio  Alger.,  i  25 


Miscellaneous  Works. 


West  India  P7,ckl£S.W.P.TaIboy:4i  00 
The  Comic  Liar—- By  Aiden. . . . . .  x  50 

Store  Drumming  ai;  a  Fine  Art.  50 
Mr.Spriggins— By  WidowBedott.  t  50 
Phemie  Frost — Ann  S.  Stephens.  :  -^o 
That  Awful  Boy— N.  Y.  Weekly.  i 
That  Bridget  of  Ours.  Do.  ..  50 
Orpheus  C.Kerr — Four  vols. in  one.  2  00 
..25 

25 


Ingglish  az  she  iz  Spelt. 
Man  Abroad. 


Dan,  The  Detective. 


Do.      ..  I  25 

Miscellaneous  Novels. 


Gospels  in  Poetry— E.H.Kimball.^i  50 

The  Life  of  Victor  Hugo   50 

Don  Quixote.  Illustrated  

Arabian  Nights.  Do  

Robinson  Crusoe.  Do  

Swiss  Family  Robinson — lUus.. 
Debatable  Land— R.  Dale  Owen. 
Threading  My  Way.  Do. 
Spiritualism— By  D.  D.  Home... 
Fanny  Fern  Memorials— Parton 
Northern  Ballads-E.  L.Anderson 
Stories  about  Doctors — JefEreson 
Stories  about  Lawyers.  Do. 


I  00 
I  00 
1  00 

1  00 

2  CO 

1  50 

2  00 
2  00 
I  00 
I  so 

I  SO 


Doctor  Antonio— By  Ruffini  fi  50 

Beatrice  Cenci — From  the  Italian,  i  50 

The  Story  of  Mary   i  50 

Madame — By  Frank  Lee  Benedict  i  50 
A  Late  Remorse.  Do.  i  50 

Hammer  and  Anvil.      Do.  i  50 

Her  Friend  Laurence.  Do.  i  50 

Mignonnette — By  Sangrde  i  00 

Jessica— By  Mrs.  W.  H.  White         i  50 

Women  of  To-day.    Do  1  50 

The  Baroness — Joaquin  Miller...  i  50 
One  Fair  Woman.  Do.  ...  150 
TheBurnhams — Mrs.G.E. Stewart  2  00 
Eugene  Ridgewood— Paul  James  i  50 
Braxton's  Bar— R.  M.  Daggett.,   i  50 

Miss  Beck— By  Tilbury  Holt          i  50 

A  Wayward  Life   i  00 

Winning  Winds — Emerson   i  50 

A  College  Widow — C.H.Seymour  i 
Me — By  Mrs.  Spencer  W.  Coe.... 
Peace  Pelican — Fannie  Smith. ..  i 
Hidden  Power— T.  H.  Tibbies...  i 

Two  of  Us— Calista  Halsey  

Cupid  on  Crutches — A.  B.  Wood. 
ParsonThorne — E.M.Buckingham  i 


Errors— By  Ruth  Carter   150 

UnmistakableFlirtation — Garner  75 

Wild  Oats — Florence  Marryatt...  i  50 

Widow  Cherry — B.  L.  Farjeon..  25 

Solomon  Isaacs.      Do.          ..  50 

Doctor  Mortimer — Fannie  B-ean.  i  50 

Two  Brides — Bernard  O'ReUly..  i  50 

Louise  and  I — By  Chas.  Dodge.,  i  50 

My  Queen — By  Saiidette   i  50 

Fallen  among  Thieves — Rayne.  i  50 

Saint  Loger — Richard  B.  Kimball  i  75 


Was  He  Successful  ? — Kimball.  $i  75 
Undercurrents  of  Wall  St.  Do.  i  75 
Romance  of  Student  Life.  Do.  i  75 
To-day.  Do.     i  75 

Life  in  San  Domingo.  Do.  i  75 
Henry  Powers,  Banker.  Do.  i  75 
Led  Astray — By  Octave  Feuillet.  /  50 
Boscobel,  a  Winter  in  Florida.,    t  25 

The  Darling  of  an  Empire   i  50 

Confessions  of  Two    1  50 

5° 


Nina's  Peril — By  Mrs.  Miller.., 
Marguerite's  Journal — For  Girls 
Rose  of  Memphis— W.C.Falkner 
Spell-Bound — Alexandre  Dumas. 
Purple  and  Fine  Linen — Fawcett 
Pauline's  Trial — L.  D.  Courtney. 
The  Forgiving  Kiss— M.  Loth.. 
Measure  for  Measure — Stanley.. 
Charette — An  American  novel .... 
Fairfax— By  John  Esten  Cooke... 
Hilt  to  Hilt.  Do. 
Out  of  the  Foam.  Do. 
Hammer  and  Rapier.  Do. 
Kenneth — By  Sallie  A.  Brock.... 
Heart  Hungry.Mrs. Westmoreland 
Clifford  Troupe.  Do. 
Price  of  a  Life— R.  F.  Sturgis. . . 

Marston  Hall— L.  Ella  Byrd   i  50 

Conquered— By  a  New  Author...  i  50 
Tales  from  the  Popular  Operas,  i.  50 
Edith  Murray— Joanna  Mathews  1  50 
San  Miniato — Mrs.C. V.Hamilton,  z  00 
All  for  Her— A  Tale  of  New  York,  i  50 
L'Assommoir — Zola's  great  novel  100 

Vesta  Vane — By  L.  King,  R   i  50 

Walworth's  Novels — Six  vols...  175 


CHARLES  DICKENS'  WORKS. 


A  NEW 


EDITION. 


Among"  the  many  editions  of  the  works  of  this  greatest  of 
English  Novelists,  there  has  not  been  until  noTvone  that  entirely 
satisfies  the  public  demand. — Without  exception,  they  each  have 
some  strong  distinctive  objection, — either  the  form  and  d'men- 
sions  of  the  volumes  are  unhandy —  or,  the  type  is  sm  -  anil 
indistinct — or,  the  illustrations  are  unsatisfactO'y-"Or,  the  bind- 
ing is  DOor — or,  the  price  is  too  high. 

An  entirely  new  edition  is  now,  however,  published  by  G.  W. 
Carleton  &  Co.,  of  New  York,  which,  in  every  respectf  ''onh 
pletely  satisfies  the  popular  demand. — It  is  known  as 

"Carleton's  New  Illustrated  Edition.*' 

Complete  in  15  Volumes. 

The  size  and  form  is  most  convenient  for  holding, — the  type 
entirely  new,  and  of  a  clear  and  open  character  that  has  received 
the  approval  of  the  reading  community  in  other  works. 

•The  illustrations  are  by  the  original  artists  chosen  by  Charles 
Dickens  himself — and  the  paper,  printing,  and  binding  are  of  an 
attractive  and  substantial  character. 

This  beautiful  new  edition  is  complete  in  15  volumes — at  the 
jxtremely  reasonable  price  of  $1.50  per  volume,  as  follows 

1.  — PICKWICK  papers  and  CATALOGUE. 

2.  — OLIVER  TWIST. — UNCOMMERCIAL  TRAVELLER. 

3.  — DAVID  COPPERFIELD. 

4.  — GREAT  EXPECTATIONS, — ITALY  AND  AMERICA. 

5.  — DOMBEY  AND  SON. 

6.  — BARNABY  RUDGE  AND  EDWIN  DROOD. 

7.  — NICHOLAS  NICKLEBY. 

8.  — CURIOSITY  SHOP  AND  MISCELLANEOUS.^ 

9.  — BLEAK  HOUSE. 

10.  — LITTLE  DORRIT. 

11.  — MARTIN  CHUZZLEWIT. 

12.  — OUR  MUTUAL  FRIEND. 

13.  — CHRISTMAS  BOOKS. — TALE  OF  TWO  CITIES, 

14.  — SKETCHES  BY  BOZ  AND  HARD  TIMES. 

15.  — child's  ENGLAND  AND  MISCELLANEOUS, 

The  first  volume — Pickwick  Papers — contains  an  alphabetical 
catalogue  of  a'l  of  Charles  Dickens'  writings,  with  their  exact 
positions  in  the  volumes. 

This  edition  is  sold  by  Booksellers,  everywheje — and  single 
specimen  copies  will  be  forwarded  by  msLil,  paste  free^  on  re- 
ceipt of  pi  ice,  $1.50,  by 

G.  W.  DILLINGHAM,  PubUsher, 

SuccEssoB  TO  G  W.  Carleton  &  Co.,\ 

33  WEST  TWENTY-THIRD  STREET,  N.  Y. 


Mrs.  Mary  J.  Holmes*  Works. 


TEMPEST  AND  SUNSHINE. 
ENGLISH  ORPHANS. 
HOMESTEAD  ON  HILLSIDE. 
'LENA  RIVERS. 
MEADOW  BROOK. 
DORA  DEANE. 
COUSIN  MAUDE. 
MARIAN  GREY. 


DARKNESS  AND  DAYLIGHT. 

HUGH  WORTHINGTON. 

CAMERON  PRIDE. 

ROSE  MATHER. 

ETHELYN'S  MISTAKE. 

MILLBANK. 

EDNA  BROWNING. 

WEST  LAWN. 


EDITH  LYLE.  |  MILDRED. 


DAISY  THORNTON. 
CHATEAU  D'OR. 
QUEENIE  HETHERTON. 
BSSSIii  S  FORTUNE. 


FORREST  HOUSE. 
MADELINE 

CHRISTMAS  STORim 

GKETCHEN.  {New.) 

OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

"Mrs.  Holmes'  stories  are  universally  read.  Her  admirers  are  numberless. 
S'be  is  in  many  respects  without  a  rival  in  the  world  of  fiction.  Her  characters  are 
alw.iyt  life-like,  and  she  makes  them  talk  and  act  like  human  beings,  subject  to  the 
same  emotions,  swayed  by  the  same  passions,  and  actuated  by  the  same  motives 
which  are  common  among  men  and  women  of  every  day  existence.  Mrs.  Holmes 
is  very  happy  in  portraying  domestic  life.  Old  and  young  peruse  her  stories 
with  great  delight,  for  she  writes  in  a  style  that  all  can  comprehend." — Nc^u 
York  Weekly. 

The  North  American  Review,  vol.  8i,  page  557,  says  of  Mrs.  Mary  J. 
Holmes'  novel,  "English  Orphans": — "With  this  novel  of  Mrs.  Holmes'  we  have 
been  charmed,  and  so  have  a  pr~tty  numerous  circle  of  discriminating  readers  to 
whom  we  have  lent  it.  The  characterization  is  exquisite,  especially  so  far  as 
concerns  rural  and  village  life,  of  which  there  are  some  pictures  that  deserve  to 
be  hung  up  in  perpsetual  memory  of  types  of  humanity  fast  becoming  extinct  The 
dialogues  are  generally  brief,  pointed,  and  appropriate.  The  plot  seems  simple, 
so  easily  and  naturally  is  it  developed  and  consummated.  Moreover,  th«.  story 
thus  gracefully  constructed  and  written,  inculcates  without  obtruding,  not  only 
pure  Christian  morality  in  general,  but,  with  especial  point  and  power,  the  depen- 
dence of  true  success  on  character,  and  of  true  respectability  on  merit." 

Almost  any  new  book  which  Mrs.  Holmes'  publisher  might  choose  to  an- 
nounce from  her  pen  would  get  an  immediate  and  general  reading.  The  inter- 
est in  her  tales  begins  at  once,  and  is  maintained  to  the  close.  Her  sentiments 
are  so  sound,  her  sympathies  so  warm  and  ready,  and  her  knowledge  of  manners, 
character,  and  the  varied  incidenu  of  ordinary  life  is  so  thorough,  that  she  would 
find  it  difficult  to  write  any  other  than  m  excellent  Ule  if  she  were  to  try  it."— 
Boston  Banner. 

The  Yolumes  are  afl  handsomely  printed  and  bound  in  cloth,  sold  every 
where,  and  seoi  by  mail,  postage  free,  on  receipt  of  price  [$i.5<»  each],  by 

G.  W.  DILLINGHAM,  Publisher, 

SUOGESSOR  TO  G  W.  CarLETON  &  Co., 

83  WEST  TWENTY-THIRD  STREET,  N.  Y. 


w 


813.39    S725H  308471 


